Cosmetic compositions and uses thereof

ABSTRACT

Disclosed is a composition and methods for its use to reduce the appearance of cellulite and improve skin texture comprising a combination of one or more of  Rubus fruticosus  extract,  Argania spinosa  kernel oil,  Coleus barbatus  extract, glycolic acid, and a mixture of caffeine, escin, and algae extract.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No.61/877,731, filed Sep. 13, 2013, and U.S. Provisional Application No.61/788,195, filed Mar. 15, 2013. The contents of the referencedapplications are incorporated into the present application by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

A. Field of the Invention

The present invention generally relates to methods and compositionsuseful for treating skin conditions. More specifically, the presentinvention concerns topical skin care compositions that include Rubusfruticosus extract, Argania spinosa kernel oil, Coleus barbatus extract,glycolic acid, and a mixture of caffeine, escin, and algae extract andmethods of reducing the appearance of cellulite with such compositions.

B. Description of Related Art

Humans are increasingly sensitive regarding their physical appearance.One component of physical appearance is skin texture and tone. Almostall female individuals develop fatty tissue deposits in the subcutaneoustissue layers deep under the skin which extend or project into the skincalled cellulite, which manifests in an undesirable dimpled or bumpyappearance or texture of the skin. Numerous therapies for the treatmentof cellulite are available, but empirical evidence for the efficacy ofthese strategies is limited (Khan 2010).

Therefore, new and effective treatments are needed.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The inventors found a solution to the aforementioned problems. Thissolution is premised on the use of particular combination of ingredientsthat synergistically work together to reduce the appearance of celluliteand improve skin texture.

In one embodiment, there is disclosed methods for reducing theappearance of cellulite or improving the texture of skin in a targetregion of skin that has cellulite or rough skin texture, the methodcomprising topically applying a composition to said target region thatincludes an effective amount of Rubus fruticosus extract, Arganiaspinosa kernel oil, Coleus barbatus extract, glycolic acid, and amixture of caffeine, escin, and algae extract, wherein topicalapplication of the composition reduces the appearance of cellulite orimproves the texture of the skin. In particular aspects, the Rubusfruticosus extract is an aqueous-ethanolic extract and the algae extractis Ascophyllum nodosum aqueous-alcoholic extract. In some embodiments,the method further comprises increasing the skin firmness or elasticityin said target region. In some embodiments, the method comprisesimproving the texture of skin. In some embodiments, the compositionincreases lipolysis in adipocytes. In some embodiments, the compositiondecreases maturation of fat cells. In some embodiments, the compositionincreases the rate of skin renewal. In even other embodiments, thecomposition is capable of decreasing the size of adipocytes in theregion in which the composition is applied. The composition is capableof decreasing the size of adipocytes in the target region having adiameter of equal to or greater than 40 μm or have a diameter between40-160 μm. At least 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 60, 70, 80,90, or 95%, or between 5 and 20%, or between 5 and 10% of the adipocytesin the target region having a diameter of equal to or greater than 40 μmor have a diameter between 40-160 μm can be decreased in size. In otheraspects, the composition is capable of increasing the epidermalthickness of skin in the target region such as by at least 5, 10, 15,20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90, or 95%, or between 5 and50%, or 10 and 40%, or 15 and 30%. The composition can also increasetriglyceride release from adipocytes in the target region such as by atleast 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90, 100, 150, or 200% or more.

Cellulite is the herniation of subcutaneous fat within fibrousconnective tissue, which manifests in an undesirable dimpled or bumpyappearance to the skin. In some embodiments, the cellulite ischaracterized by skin dimpling. The texture of skin that has celluliteor rough skin texture in the target region may be dimpled, bumpy, and/orhave an orange peel or cottage cheese-like texture. In some embodiments,the composition reduces the appearance, depth, or severeness of the skindimpling. In some embodiments, the composition decreases the presence orsevereness of dimples, bumps, and/or orange peel or cottage cheese-liketexture. In some embodiments, the composition reduces the differencebetween the peak and valley of a dimple. In some embodiments, thecomposition results in skin which has a smoother or flatter appearance.

In one embodiment, there is disclosed a composition comprising Rubusfruticosus extract, Argania spinosa kernel oil, Coleus barbatus extract,glycolic acid, caffeine, escin, and Ascophyllum nodosum extract. Theextract from Rubus fruticosus and/or Coleus barbatus may be an aqueous,alcoholic, hydro-alcoholic, or oil-based extract. In some embodiments,the Rubus fruticosus extract is an aqueous extract. The extract fromRubus fruticosus and/or Coleus barbatus may be from the whole plant,leaf, seed, flower, stem, or root. In some embodiments, the Rubusfruticosus extract is from the leaf. In some embodiments, the Coleusbarbatus extract is from the root.

The composition can include 0.0001 to 10% by weight (or 0.001, 0.01,0.1, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, or 10% by weight or more) of Rubusfruticosus extract, 0.0001 to 10% by weight of Argania spinosa kerneloil (or 0.001, 0.01, 0.1, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, or 10% by weight ormore), 0.0001 to 10% by weight of Coleus barbatus extract (or 0.001,0.01, 0.1, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, or 10% by weight or more), 0.0001to 10% by weight of glycolic acid (or 0.001, 0.01, 0.1, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5,6, 7, 8, 9, or 10% by weight or more), and/or 0.0001 to 10% by weight ofa mixture of caffeine, escin, and algae extract (or 0.001, 0.01, 0.1, 1,2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, or 10% by weight or more).

In certain aspects, the composition is applied to the skin and remainson the skin for at least 5, 10, 15, 30, or more minutes, or 1, 4, 8, 12,16, 20, or 24 hours after topical application. The composition can beapplied to leg skin, arm skin, torso skin, or skin in the pelvic region.

The compositions of the present invention can be formulated into topicalskin care compositions. The compositions can be cosmetic compositions.In other aspects, the compositions can be included in a cosmeticvehicle. Non-limiting examples of cosmetic vehicles are disclosed inother sections of this specification and are known to those of skill inthe art. Examples of cosmetic vehicles include emulsions (e.g.,oil-in-water and water-in-oil emulsions), creams, lotions, solutions(e.g., aqueous or hydro-alcoholic solutions), anhydrous bases (e.g.,lipstick or a powder), gels, and ointments. In certain aspects, thecomposition can be formulated as a cream, gel, lotion, serum, orcleanser. In some instances, the composition is an emulsion (e.g.,oil-in-water, water-in-oil, hydrophilic-in-hydrophobic,hydrophobic-in-hydrophilic, silicone-in-water, water-in-silicone, etc.).In one particular embodiment, the composition can be a cream-gel basedcomposition that includes the following ingredients: water; alcoholdenat.; glycerin; sorbitol; cyclopentasiloxane; dimethicone; caffeine;pentaerythrityl tetraisostearate; caprylic/capric triglyceride;pentylene glycol; ethoxydiglycol; ammonium acryloyldimethyltaurate/VPcopolymer; triethanolamine; argania spinosa kernel oil; jojoba esters;glycolic acid; phenoxyethanol; cetyl alcohol; dipropylene glycol;maltodextrin; caprylyl glycol; cetearyl alcohol; acrylates/C10-30 alkylacrylate crosspolymer; xanthan gum; menthyl lactate; a fragrance; Rubusfruticosus (Blackberry) leaf extract; Coleus barbatus root extract;escin; and Ascophyllum nodosum extract. In even more particularembodiments, the composition can include 65 to 75% by weight of water; 5to 10 by weight of alcohol denat.; 3 to 7% by weight of glycerin; 2 to5% by weight of sorbitol; 2 to 4% by weight of cyclopentasiloxane; 1 to3% by weight of dimethicone; 0.5 to 2% by weight of caffeine; 0.5 to 2%by weight of pentaerythrityl tetraisostearate; 0.5 to 2% by weight ofcaprylic/capric triglyceride; 0.5 to 2% by weight of pentylene glycol;0.5 to 2% by weight of ethoxydiglycol; 0.5 to 2% by weight of ammoniumacryloyldimethyltaurateNP copolymer; 0.5 to 2% by weight oftriethanolamine; 0.5 to 2% by weight of Argania spinosa kernel oil; 0.5to 2% by weight of jojoba esters; 0.1 to 1% by weight of glycolic acid;0.1 to 1% by weight of phenoxyethanol; 0.1 to 1% by weight of cetylalcohol; 0.1 to 1% by weight of dipropylene glycol; 0.1 to 1% by weightof maltodextrin; 0.1 to 1% by weight of caprylyl glycol; 0.1 to 1% byweight of cetearyl alcohol; 0.1 to 1% by weight of acrylates/C10-30alkyl acrylate crosspolymer; 0.1 to 1% by weight of xanthan gum; 0.1 to1% by weight of menthyl lactate; 0.1 to 1% by weight of a fragrance;0.01 to 1% by weight of Rubus fruticosus (Blackberry) leaf extract; 0.01to 1% by weight of Coleus barbatus root extract; 0.001 to 1% by weightof escin; and 0.001 to 1% by weight of Ascophyllum nodosum extract.

The compositions can also be formulated for topical skin application atleast 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, or more times a day during use. In otheraspects of the present invention, compositions can be storage stable orcolor stable, or both. It is also contemplated that the viscosity of thecomposition can be selected to achieve a desired result (e.g., dependingon the type of composition desired, the viscosity of such compositioncan be from about 1 cps to well over 1 million cps or any range orinteger derivable therein (e.g., 2 cps, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 20, 30,40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90, 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700, 800, 900,1000, 2000, 3000, 4000, 5000, 6000, 7000, 8000, 9000, 10000, 20000,30000, 40000, 50000, 60000, 70000, 80000, 90000, 100000, 200000, 300000,400000, 500000, 600000, 700000, 800000, 900000, 1000000 cps, etc., asmeasured on a Brookfield Viscometer using a TC spindle at 2.5 rpm at 25°C.). The compositions in non-limiting aspects can have a pH of about 6to about 9. In other aspects, the pH can be 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9,10, 11, 12, 13, or 14. Compositions of the present invention can haveUVA and UVB absorption properties. The compositions can have an sunprotection factor (SPF) of 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14,15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, or more, or any integer orderivative therein. The compositions can be sunscreen lotions, sprays,or creams. In particular aspects, the compositions can be oil-free,substantially anhydrous, and/or anhydrous. Other aspects includecompositions having water.

The compositions of the present invention can also include any one of,any combination of, or all of the following additional ingredients:water, a chelating agent, a moisturizing agent, a preservative, athickening agent, a silicone containing compound, an essential oil, astructuring agent, a vitamin, a pharmaceutical ingredient, or anantioxidant, or any combination of such ingredients or mixtures of suchingredients. In certain aspects, the composition can include at leasttwo, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, ten, or all of theseadditional ingredients identified in the previous sentence. Non-limitingexamples of these additional ingredients are identified throughout thisspecification and are incorporated into this section by reference. Theamounts of such ingredients can range from 0.0001% to 99.9% by weight orvolume of the composition, or any integer or range in between asdisclosed in other sections of this specification, which areincorporated into this paragraph by reference.

In some embodiments, reducing the appearance of cellulite or improvingthe texture of skin in a target region is determined by comparison ofthe skin in the target region that has cellulite or rough skin textureprior to application of the composition to the skin in the target regionafter application of the product. In some embodiments, the skin in thetarget region is evaluated 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, or 7 days, 2, 3, 4, or 5weeks, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, or 12 months, or any rangetherein, after the first application of the composition. In someembodiments, the composition is applied daily, weekly, or monthly. Insome embodiments, the composition is applied 1, 2, 3, 4, or more timesdaily.

Additionally, the compositions can also be used to treat or prevent avariety of other skin conditions. For instance, the compositions can beused to treat or prevent a fine line or wrinkle, erythema, sensitiveskin, or inflamed skin. In particular aspects, erythema, sensitive skin,or inflamed skin is caused by skin sunburn, electrical treatments ofskin, skin burns, contact allergies, systemic allergies, skin toxicity,exercise, insect stings, bacterial infection, viral infection, fungalinfection, protozoa infection, massage, or windburn. In other aspects,the following additional skin conditions can be treated or prevented inaccordance with the methods and compositions disclosed throughout thespecification and claims: pruritus, lentigo, spider veins, age spots,senile purpura, keratosis, melasma, blotches, nodules, sun damaged skin,dermatitis (including, but not limited to seborrheic dermatitis,nummular dermatitis, contact dermatitis, atopic dermatitis, exfoliativedermatitis, perioral dermatitis, and stasis dermatitis), psoriasis,folliculitis, rosacea, acne, impetigo, erysipelas, erythrasma, eczema,and other inflammatory skin conditions. In certain non-limiting aspects,the skin condition can be caused by exposure to UV light, age,irradiation, chronic sun exposure, environmental pollutants, airpollution, wind, cold, heat, chemicals, disease pathologies, smoking, orlack of nutrition. The skin can be facial skin or non-facial skin (e.g.,arms, legs, hands, chest, back, feet, etc.). The method can furthercomprise identifying a person in need of skin treatment. The person canbe a male or female. The age of the person can be at least 1, 2, 3, 4,5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75,80, 85, 90, 95, or more years old, or any range derivable therein. Themethod can also include topically applying an amount effective to:increase the stratum corneum turnover rate of the skin; increasecollagen synthesis in fibroblasts; increase cellular anti-oxidantdefense mechanisms (e.g., exogenous additions of anti-oxidants canbolster, replenish, or prevent the loss of cellular antioxidants such ascatalase and glutathione in skin cells (e.g., keratinocytes,melanocytes, langerhans cells, etc.) which will reduce or preventoxidative damage to the skin, cellular, proteins, and lipids); inhibitmelanin production in melanocytes; reduce or prevent oxidative damage toskin (including reducing the amount lipid peroxides and/or proteinoxidation in the skin).

Also contemplated are kits that include any one of the compositionsdisclosed throughout the specification and claims. In certainembodiments, the composition is comprised in a container. The containercan be a bottle, dispenser, or package. The container can dispense apre-determined amount of the composition. In certain aspects, thecompositions is dispensed in a spray, dollop, or liquid. The containercan include indicia on its surface. The indicia can be a word, anabbreviation, a picture, or a symbol.

Also contemplated is a product comprising a composition of the presentinvention. In non-limiting aspects, the product can be a cosmeticproduct. The cosmetic product can be those described in other sectionsof this specification or those known to a person of skill in the art.Non-limiting examples of products include a moisturizer, a cream, alotion, a skin softener, a foundation, a night cream, a lipstick, acleanser, a toner, a sunscreen, a mask, or an anti-aging product.

Also disclosed are the following Embodiments 1 to 49 of the presentinvention. Embodiment 1 is a method for reducing the appearance ofcellulite or improving the texture of skin in a target region of skinthat has cellulite or rough skin texture, the method comprisingtopically applying a composition to the target region that includes aneffective amount of Rubus fruticosus extract, Argania spinosa kerneloil, Coleus barbatus extract, glycolic acid, and a mixture of caffeine,escin, and algae extract, wherein topical application of the compositionreduces the appearance of cellulite or improves the texture of the skin.Embodiment 2 is the method of Embodiment 1, further comprisingincreasing the skin firmness or elasticity in said target region.Embodiment 3 is the method of any one of Embodiments 1-2, wherein thecomposition increases lipolysis in adipocytes. Embodiment 4 is themethod of any one of Embodiments 1-3, wherein the composition decreasesmaturation of fat cells. Embodiment 5 is the method of any one ofEmbodiments 1-4, wherein the composition increases the rate of skinrenewal. Embodiment 6 is the method of Embodiment 1, wherein thecellulite is characterized by skin dimpling. Embodiment 7 is the methodof Embodiment 6, wherein the composition reduces the appearance, depth,or severeness of the skin dimpling. Embodiment 8 is the method of any ofEmbodiments 1-7, wherein the composition decreases the presence orsevereness of dimples, bumps, and/or orange peel or cottage cheese-liketexture. Embodiment 9 is the method of any of Embodiments 1-8, whereinthe composition reduces the difference between the peak and valley of adimple. Embodiment 10 is the method of any of Embodiments 1-9, whereinthe composition results in skin which has a smoother or flatterappearance. Embodiment 11 is the method of any of Embodiments 1-10,wherein roughness of the skin texture in the target area is decreasedwhen compared to the roughness of the skin in the target area beforeapplication. Embodiment 12 is the method of Embodiment 1, wherein theRubus fruticosus extract is an aqueous extract. Embodiment 13 is themethod of any one of Embodiments 1-12, wherein the Rubus fruticosusextract is from the leaf. Embodiment 14 is the method of any one ofEmbodiments 1-13, wherein the Coleus barbatus extract is from the root.Embodiment 15 is the method of any one of Embodiments 1-14, wherein thecomposition is formulated as a cream, lotion, emulsion, serum, orcleanser. Embodiment 16 is the method of any one of Embodiments 1-15,wherein the composition is an oil-in-water emulsion or a water-in-oilemulsion. Embodiment 17 is the method of any one of Embodiments 1-16,wherein an effective amount is 0.001 to 10% by weight of Rubusfruticosus extract, 0.001 to 10% by weight of Argania spinosa kerneloil, 0.001 to 10% by weight of Coleus barbatus extract, 0.001 to 10% byweight of glycolic acid, and 0.001 to 10% by weight of the mixture ofcaffeine, escin, and algae extract. Embodiment 18 is the method of anyone of Embodiments 1-17, wherein the skin is leg skin, arm skin, torsoskin, or skin in the pelvic region. Embodiment 19 is the method of anyone of Embodiments 1-18, wherein the composition is applied to the skinand remains on the skin for at least 5 minutes after topicalapplication. Embodiment 20 is the method of any one of Embodiments 1-19,wherein the composition further comprises at least one of amoisturization agent, a UV absorbing agent, anti-oxidant, structuringagent, emulsifier, silicone containing compound, essential oil,thickening agent, and a preservative. Embodiment 21 is the method of anyone of Embodiments 1-20, wherein the composition further comprises apharmaceutical ingredient. Embodiment 22 is the method of any one ofEmbodiments 1-21, wherein the composition decreases the size ofadipocytes in the target region. Embodiment 23 is the method ofEmbodiment 22, wherein the composition decreases the size of adipocytesin the target region having a diameter of equal to or greater than 40 μmor have a diameter between 40-160 μm. Embodiment 24 is the method ofEmbodiment 23, wherein at least 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50,60, 70, 80, 90, or 95%, or between 5 and 20%, or between 5 and 10% ofthe adipocytes in the target region having a diameter of equal to orgreater than 40 μm or have a diameter between 40-160 μm are decreased insize. Embodiment 25 is the method of any one of Embodiments 1-24,wherein the composition increases the epidermal thickness of skin in thetarget region. Embodiment 26 is the method of Embodiment 25, wherein thecomposition increases the epidermal thickness of skin in the targetregion by at least 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 60, 70, 80,90, or 95%, or between 5 and 50%, or 10 and 40%, or 15 and 30%.Embodiment 27 is the method of any one of Embodiments 1 to 26, whereinthe composition increases triglyceride release from adipocytes in thetarget region. Embodiment 28 is the method of Embodiment 27, wherein thecomposition increases triglyceride release from adipocytes in the targetregion by at least 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90, 100, 150, or200%. Embodiment 29 is the method of any one of Embodiments 1 to 28,wherein the Rubus fruticosus extract is from the leaf, the Coleusbarbatus extract is from the root, and the algae extract is Ascophyllumnodosum extract. Embodiment 30 is a topical skin composition comprisingRubus fruticosus extract, Argania spinosa kernel oil, Coleus barbatusextract, glycolic acid, and a mixture of caffeine, escin, and algaeextract. Embodiment 31 is the topical skin composition of Embodiment 30,wherein the Rubus fruticosus extract is an aqueous extract. Embodiment32 is the topical skin composition of any one of Embodiments 30-31,wherein the Rubus fruticosus extract is from the leaf. Embodiment 33 isthe topical skin composition of any one of Embodiments 30-32, whereinthe Coleus barbatus extract is from the root. Embodiment 34 is thetopical skin composition of any one of Embodiments 30-33, wherein thecomposition is formulated as a cream, lotion, emulsion, serum, orcleanser. Embodiment 35 is the topical skin composition of any one ofEmbodiments 30-34, wherein the composition is an oil-in-water emulsionor a water-in-oil emulsion. Embodiment 36 is the topical skincomposition of any one of Embodiments 30-35, wherein an effective amountis 0.001 to 10% by weight of Rubus fruticosus extract, 0.001 to 10% byweight of Argania spinosa kernel oil, 0.001 to 10% by weight of Coleusbarbatus extract, 0.001 to 10% by weight of glycolic acid, and 0.001 to10% by weight of the mixture of caffeine, escin, and algae extract.Embodiment 37 is the topical skin composition of any one of Embodiments30-36, wherein the composition further comprises at least one of amoisturization agent, a UV absorbing agent, anti-oxidant, structuringagent, emulsifier, silicone containing compound, essential oil,thickening agent, and a preservative. Embodiment 38 is the topical skincomposition of any one of Embodiments 30-37, wherein the compositionfurther comprises a pharmaceutical ingredient. Embodiment 39 is thetopical skin composition of any one of Embodiments 30-38, wherein thecomposition is capable of increasing lipolysis in adipocytes. Embodiment40 is the topical skin composition of any one of Embodiments 30-39,wherein the composition is capable of decreasing maturation of fatcells. Embodiment 41 is the topical skin composition of any one ofEmbodiments 30-40, wherein the composition is capable of increasing therate of skin renewal. Embodiment 42 is the topical skin composition ofany one of Embodiments 30-41, wherein the composition is capable ofdecreasing the size of adipocytes. Embodiment 43 is the topical skincomposition of any one of Embodiments 30-42, wherein the composition iscapable of decreasing the size of adipocytes in the target region havinga diameter of equal to or greater than 40 μm or have a diameter between40-160 μm. Embodiment 44 is the topical skin composition of Embodiment43, wherein at least 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 60, 70, 80,90, or 95%, or between 5 and 20%, or between 5 and 10% of the adipocytesin the target region having a diameter of equal to or greater than 40 μmor have a diameter between 40-160 μm are decreased in size. Embodiment45 is the topical skin composition of any one of Embodiments 30-44,wherein the composition is capable of increasing the epidermal thicknessof skin in the target region. Embodiment 46 is the topical skincomposition of Embodiment 45, wherein the composition is capable ofincreasing the epidermal thickness of skin in the target region by atleast 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90, or 95%, orbetween 5 and 50%, or 10 and 40%, or 15 and 30%. Embodiment 47 is thetopical skin composition of any one of Embodiments 30-46, wherein thecomposition is capable of increasing triglyceride release fromadipocytes in the target region. Embodiment 48 is the topical skincomposition of Embodiment 47, wherein the composition is capable ofincreasing triglyceride release from adipocytes in the target region byat least 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90, 100, 150, or 200%.Embodiment 49 is the topical skin composition of any one of Embodiments30-48, wherein the Rubus fruticosus extract is from the leaf, the Coleusbarbatus extract is from the root, and the algae extract is Ascophyllumnodosum extract.

The compositions and methods for their use can “comprise,” “consistessentially of,” or “consist of” any of the ingredients disclosedthroughout the specification. As used in this specification andclaim(s), the words “comprising” (and any form of comprising, such as“comprise” and “comprises”), “having” (and any form of having, such as“have” and “has”), “including” (and any form of including, such as“includes” and “include”) or “containing” (and any form of containing,such as “contains” and “contain”) are inclusive or open-ended and do notexclude additional, unrecited elements or method steps.

“Consisting essentially of” means that inclusion of additionalingredients in the compositions do not materially affect the beneficialproperties of the compositions as compositions for reducing theappearance of cellulite and improving skin texture. For instance, if acomposition “consists essentially of” any one of, any combination of, or2, 3, 4, or 5 of Rubus fruticosus extract, Argania spinosa kernel oil,Coleus barbatus extract, glycolic acid, and a mixture of caffeine,escin, and algae extract, said composition excludes any ingredients thatwould materially affect the beneficial properties of the compositionsfor reducing the appearance of cellulite and improving skin texture.

It is contemplated that any embodiment discussed in this specificationcan be implemented with respect to any method or composition of theinvention, and vice versa. Furthermore, compositions of the inventioncan be used to achieve methods of the invention.

In one embodiment, compositions of the present invention can bepharmaceutically or cosmetically elegant. “Pharmaceutically elegant”and/or “cosmetically elegant” describes a composition that hasparticular tactile properties which feel pleasant on the skin (e.g.,compositions that are not too watery or greasy, compositions that have asilky texture, compositions that are non-tacky or sticky, etc.).Pharmaceutically or cosmetically elegant can also relate to thecreaminess or lubricity properties of the composition or to the moistureretaining properties of the composition.

“Topical application” means to apply or spread a composition onto thesurface of keratinous tissue. “Topical skin composition” includescompositions suitable for topical application on keratinous tissue. Suchcompositions are typically dermatologically-acceptable in that they donot have undue toxicity, incompatibility, instability, allergicresponse, and the like, when applied to skin. Topical skin carecompositions of the present invention can have a selected viscosity toavoid significant dripping or pooling after application to skin.

“Keratinous tissue” includes keratin-containing layers disposed as theoutermost protective covering of mammals and includes, but is notlimited to, skin, hair and nails.

The term “about” or “approximately” are defined as being close to asunderstood by one of ordinary skill in the art, and in one non-limitingembodiment the terms are defined to be within 10%, preferably within 5%,more preferably within 1%, and most preferably within 0.5%.

The term “substantially” and its variations are defined as being largelybut not necessarily wholly what is specified as understood by one ofordinary skill in the art, and in one non-limiting embodimentsubstantially refers to ranges within 10%, within 5%, within 1%, orwithin 0.5%.

The terms “inhibiting,” “reducing,” “treating,” or any variation ofthese terms, when used in the claims and/or the specification includesany measurable decrease or complete inhibition to achieve a desiredresult.

The term “effective,” as that term is used in the specification and/orclaims, means adequate to accomplish a desired, expected, or intendedresult.

Other objects, features and advantages of the present invention willbecome apparent from the following detailed description. It should beunderstood, however, that the detailed description and the examples,while indicating specific embodiments of the invention, are given by wayof illustration only. Additionally, it is contemplated that changes andmodifications within the spirit and scope of the invention will becomeapparent to those skilled in the art from this detailed description.

DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

The following drawings form part of the present specification and areincluded to further demonstrate certain aspects of the presentinvention. The invention may be better understood by reference to one ormore of these drawings in combination with the detailed description ofspecific embodiments presented herein.

FIG. 1 Explanation of the formation of cellulite.

FIGS. 2A-B are photos of skin replicas taken on the back of one thighusing Silastic Replicating Resin (Silflo) resin at Day 0 (FIG. 2A) andDay 21 (FIG. 2B).

FIGS. 3A-C are digital photos obtained from a microscope of adipocytesat day 0 (A), day 10 no treatment (B), and day 10 treatment with acombination of Rubus fruticosus extract, Argania spinosa kernel oil,Coleus barbatus extract, glycolic acid, and a mixture of caffeine,escin, and algae extract (C).

FIGS. 4A-C are digital photos of three different individual's thigh skinbefore (week 0) and after (week 12) using a composition having thecombination of Rubus fruticosus extract, Argania spinosa kernel oil,Coleus barbatus extract, glycolic acid, and a mixture of caffeine,escin, and algae extract.

DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS

Cellulite (also known as adiposis edematosa, dermopanniculosisdeformans, status protrusus cutis, gynoid lipodystrophy, orange peelsyndrome, and cottage cheese skin) is the herniation of subcutaneous fatwithin fibrous connective tissue that manifests topographically as skindimpling and nodularity, often on the pelvic region, lower limbs, andabdomen. The causes of cellulite include changes in metabolism,physiology, dieting too hard or too much, sex-specific dimorphic skinarchitecture, alteration of connective tissue structure, hormonalfactors, genetic factors, the microcirculatory system, the extracellularmatrix, and subtle inflammatory alterations. FIG. 1 provides anexplanation of the formation of cellulite on a cellular level. Numeroustherapies for the treatment of cellulite are available, but empiricalevidence for the efficacy of these strategies is limited (Khan 2010).

The present invention is an effective alternative to the use ofcompositions and ingredients currently used to reduce the appearance ofcellulite, improve the texture of skin, and to treat other skinconditions. As discussed above, the inventors discovered that a uniquecombination of ingredients provide synergistic effects in reducing theappearance of cellulite and improving the texture of the skin byreducing skin roughness and/or texture. The inventors found that thecomposition increases lipolysis in adipocytes, decreases maturation offat cells, and increases the rate of skin renewal.

These and other non-limiting aspects of the present invention aredescribed in further detail below.

A. Active Ingredients

Rubus fruticosus is a fruit producing plant that is found throughout thetemperate Northern Hemisphere and South America. The extract can beobtained from the whole plant, the root, the flower, the stem, the leaf,the flower/leaf/stem, or the leaf/root. In particular aspects, theextract is an aqueous-ethanolic extract. Such extracts are commerciallyavailable from a wide range of sources (see, e.g., InternationalCosmetic Ingredient Dictionary and Handbook, 12^(th) Edition, 2008(“CTFA”), Volume 2 page 2399, which is incorporated by reference). Inparticular embodiments, the leaf extract is used. In some embodiments,the extract is an aqueous extract. Rubus fruticosus extract can bepurchased from Symrise (Germany) under the trade name SymMatrix®, whichis an aqueous-ethanolic extract from the leaf of Rubus fruticosus.

Argania spinosa is a species of the Argan tree, which is native to theMediterranean region. The oil is from derived from the kernel of thefruit of the Argan tree. Such extracts are commercially available from awide range of sources (see, e.g., CTFA, Volume 1, page 198, which isincorporated by reference). Argania spinosa kernel oil can be purchasedfrom BASF (USA) under the trade name Lipofructyl Argan®. Productliterature states that this ingredient is rich in poly-unsaturated fattyacids including linoleic acid, omega-6), and natural tocopherols.

Coleus barbatus, also commonly known as Coleus forskohlii, is a tropicalperennial plant that is native to the lower elevations of India. Theextract can be obtained from the whole plant, the root, the flower, thestem, the leaf, the flower/leaf/stem, or the leaf/root. It contains anactive ingredient forskolin. In some particular embodiments, the extractfrom the roots is used. Such extracts are commercially available (see,e.g., CTFA, Volume 1, pages 655, which is incorporated by reference).Coleus barbatus extract can be purchased from Actives International(USA) under the trade name Via Pure® Coleus, which is an extract fromthe root of Coleus barbatus.

Glycolic acid is the smallest α-hydroxy acid (AHA). It is highly solublein water and has the formula:

It too is commercially available from a wide range of sources (see,e.g., CTFA, Volume 1, page 1095, which is incorporated by reference).

As for the mixture of caffeine, escin, and algae extract, such a mixtureis available from Rovi GMBH (Germany) under the trade name Rovisome®F.E.C. This mixture contains a combination of the blood vesselstrengthening escin and the anticoagulant fucoidan. The Rovisome® F.E.C.product is a combination of water, alcohol, lecithin, escin, Ascophyllumnodosum extract (aqueous-alcoholic extract), caffeine. In someembodiments, the algae extract is Ascophyllum nodosum extract via anaqueous-alcoholic extractant.

In addition to the commercially available extracts identified above,said extracts can be produced by obtaining the corresponding plant orportion thereof to produce the extract by extraction methods which areknown to those of ordinary skill in the art. For instance, a person ofordinary skill in the art would be able to isolate any one of theextracts identified above from the whole plant or parts (e.g., leaf,root) of the corresponding plant by using any suitable method known inthe art. In one non-limiting example, the plant (or any part of theplant) can be disrupted by mechanical means which results in a puree.The puree is then processed to be substantially free of impurities orundesired solids. The puree can then be poured into a shallow vessel andquickly exposed to low temperature, i.e., flash frozen, for example at−20° C. or lower, preferably under a vacuum for removal of water content(lyophilization). The resultant extract can then be used in thecompositions of the present invention.

In other aspects, aqueous, alcoholic, aqueous-alcoholic, or oil basedextraction techniques, or combinations thereof, can be used on the wholeplant or any part thereof of to produce an extract. In such a process,the desired part of the plant or the whole plant is crushed up (e.g.,blender) and then subjected to a desired solvent (e.g., water, alcohol,water/alcohol, or oil based solvents) to obtain the desired extract. Theextract can then be stored in liquid form, lyophilized, or subject tofurther processing techniques (e.g., heating, cooling, etc.). Extractionprocesses are well-known to those having ordinary skill in the extractfield (e.g., maceration, infusion, percolation, digestion, decoction,hot continuous extraction, aqueous-alcoholic extract, counter currentextract, microwave assisted extraction, ultrasound extraction,supercritical fluid extracts, phytonic extract (e.g., withhydro-flouro-carbon solvents), etc.

B. Compositions of the Present Invention

It is contemplated that the compositions of the present invention caninclude any of the actives or any combination thereof describedthroughout this specification. In particular aspects, the actives can becombined (e.g., Rubus fruticosus extract, Argania spinosa kernel oil,Coleus barbatus extract, glycolic acid, and a mixture of caffeine,escin, and algae extract). The compositions can include any number ofcombinations of additional ingredients described throughout thisspecification. The concentrations of the any ingredient within thecompositions can vary. In non-limiting embodiments, for example, thecompositions can comprise, consisting essentially of, or consist of, intheir final form, for example, at least about 0.0001%, 0.0002%, 0.0003%,0.0004%, 0.0005%, 0.0006%, 0.0007%, 0.0008%, 0.0009%, 0.0010%, 0.0011%,0.0012%, 0.0013%, 0.0014%, 0.0015%, 0.0016%, 0.0017%, 0.0018%, 0.0019%,0.0020%, 0.0021%, 0.0022%, 0.0023%, 0.0024%, 0.0025%, 0.0026%, 0.0027%,0.0028%, 0.0029%, 0.0030%, 0.0031%, 0.0032%, 0.0033%, 0.0034%, 0.0035%,0.0036%, 0.0037%, 0.0038%, 0.0039%, 0.0040%, 0.0041%, 0.0042%, 0.0043%,0.0044%, 0.0045%, 0.0046%, 0.0047%, 0.0048%, 0.0049%, 0.0050%, 0.0051%,0.0052%, 0.0053%, 0.0054%, 0.0055%, 0.0056%, 0.0057%, 0.0058%, 0.0059%,0.0060%, 0.0061%, 0.0062%, 0.0063%, 0.0064%, 0.0065%, 0.0066%, 0.0067%,0.0068%, 0.0069%, 0.0070%, 0.0071%, 0.0072%, 0.0073%, 0.0074%, 0.0075%,0.0076%, 0.0077%, 0.0078%, 0.0079%, 0.0080%, 0.0081%, 0.0082%, 0.0083%,0.0084%, 0.0085%, 0.0086%, 0.0087%, 0.0088%, 0.0089%, 0.0090%, 0.0091%,0.0092%, 0.0093%, 0.0094%, 0.0095%, 0.0096%, 0.0097%, 0.0098%, 0.0099%,0.0100%, 0.0200%, 0.0250%, 0.0275%, 0.0300%, 0.0325%, 0.0350%, 0.0375%,0.0400%, 0.0425%, 0.0450%, 0.0475%, 0.0500%, 0.0525%, 0.0550%, 0.0575%,0.0600%, 0.0625%, 0.0650%, 0.0675%, 0.0700%, 0.0725%, 0.0750%, 0.0775%,0.0800%, 0.0825%, 0.0850%, 0.0875%, 0.0900%, 0.0925%, 0.0950%, 0.0975%,0.1000%, 0.1250%, 0.1500%, 0.1750%, 0.2000%, 0.2250%, 0.2500%, 0.2750%,0.3000%, 0.3250%, 0.3500%, 0.3750%, 0.4000%, 0.4250%, 0.4500%, 0.4750%,0.5000%, 0.5250%, 0.0550%, 0.5750%, 0.6000%, 0.6250%, 0.6500%, 0.6750%,0.7000%, 0.7250%, 0.7500%, 0.7750%, 0.8000%, 0.8250%, 0.8500%, 0.8750%,0.9000%, 0.9250%, 0.9500%, 0.9750%, 1.0%, 1.1%, 1.2%, 1.3%, 1.4%, 1.5%,1.6%, 1.7%, 1.8%, 1.9%, 2.0%, 2.1%, 2.2%, 2.3%, 2.4%, 2.5%, 2.6%, 2.7%,2.8%, 2.9%, 3.0%, 3.1%, 3.2%, 3.3%, 3.4%, 3.5%, 3.6%, 3.7%, 3.8%, 3.9%,4.0%, 4.1%, 4.2%, 4.3%, 4.4%, 4.5%, 4.6%, 4.7%, 4.8%, 4.9%, 5.0%, 5.1%,5.2%, 5.3%, 5.4%, 5.5%, 5.6%, 5.7%, 5.8%, 5.9%, 6.0%, 6.1%, 6.2%, 6.3%,6.4%, 6.5%, 6.6%, 6.7%, 6.8%, 6.9%, 7.0%, 7.1%, 7.2%, 7.3%, 7.4%, 7.5%,7.6%, 7.7%, 7.8%, 7.9%, 8.0%, 8.1%, 8.2%, 8.3%, 8.4%, 8.5%, 8.6%, 8.7%,8.8%, 8.9%, 9.0%, 9.1%, 9.2%, 9.3%, 9.4%, 9.5%, 9.6%, 9.7%, 9.8%, 9.9%,10%, 11%, 12%, 13%, 14%, 15%, 16%, 17%, 18%, 19%, 20%, 21%, 22%, 23%,24%, 25%, 26%, 27%, 28%, 29%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 60%, 65%, 70%,75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, or 99% or any range derivable therein, of atleast one of the ingredients that are mentioned throughout thespecification and claims. In non-limiting aspects, the percentage can becalculated by weight or volume of the total composition. A person ofordinary skill in the art would understand that the concentrations canvary depending on the addition, substitution, and/or subtraction ofingredients in a given composition.

The disclosed compositions of the present invention may also includevarious antioxidants to retard oxidation of one or more components.Additionally, the prevention of the action of microorganisms can bebrought about by preservatives such as various antibacterial andantifungal agents, including but not limited to parabens (e.g.,methylparabens, propylparabens), chlorobutanol, phenol, sorbic acid,thimerosal or combinations thereof. In some embodiments, thecompositions do not contain parabens.

C. Vehicles

The compositions of the present invention can be incorporated into alltypes of vehicles. Non-limiting examples of suitable vehicles includeemulsions (e.g., water-in-oil, water-in-oil-in-water, oil-in-water,silicone-in-water, water-in-silicone, oil-in-water-in-oil,oil-in-water-in-silicone emulsions), creams, lotions, solutions (bothaqueous and hydro-alcoholic), anhydrous bases (such as lipsticks andpowders), gels, and ointments or by other method or any combination ofthe forgoing as would be known to one of ordinary skill in the art(Remington's, 1990). Variations and other appropriate vehicles will beapparent to the skilled artisan and are appropriate for use in thepresent invention. In certain aspects, it is important that theconcentrations and combinations of the compounds, ingredients, andagents be selected in such a way that the combinations are chemicallycompatible and do not form complexes which precipitate from the finishedproduct.

It is also contemplated that ingredients identified throughout thisspecification, including but not limited to Rubus fruticosus extract,Argania spinosa kernel oil, Coleus barbatus extract, glycolic acid, anda mixture of caffeine, escin, and algae extract, or any combinationsthereof, can be individually or combinatorially encapsulated fordelivery to a target area such as skin. Non-limiting examples ofencapsulation techniques include the use of liposomes, vesicles, and/ornanoparticles (e.g., biodegradable and non-biodegradable colloidalparticles comprising polymeric materials in which the ingredient istrapped, encapsulated, and/or absorbed—examples include nanospheres andnanocapsules) that can be used as delivery vehicles to deliver theingredient to skin (see, e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 6,387,398; U.S. Pat. No.6,203,802; U.S. Pat. No. 5,411,744; Kreuter 1998).

D. Cosmetic Products and Articles of Manufacture

The composition of the present invention can also be used in manycosmetic products including, but not limited to, sunscreen products,sunless skin tanning products, hair products, finger nail products,moisturizing creams, skin benefit creams and lotions, softeners, daylotions, gels, ointments, foundations, night creams, lipsticks,cleansers, toners, masks, or other known cosmetic products orapplications. Additionally, the cosmetic products can be formulated asleave-on or rinse-off products. In certain aspects, the compositions ofthe present invention are stand-alone products.

E. Additional Ingredients

In addition to the Rubus fruticosus extract, Argania spinosa kernel oil,Coleus barbatus extract, glycolic acid, and a mixture of caffeine,escin, and algae extract, ingredients disclosed throughout thisspecification, compositions of the present invention can includeadditional ingredients such as cosmetic ingredients and pharmaceuticalactive ingredients. Non-limiting examples of these additionalingredients are described in the following subsections.

1. Cosmetic Ingredients

The CTFA International Cosmetic Ingredient Dictionary and Handbook (2004and 2008) describes a wide variety of non-limiting cosmetic ingredientsthat can be used in the context of the present invention. Examples ofthese ingredient classes include: fragrances (artificial and natural),dyes and color ingredients (e.g., Blue 1, Blue 1 Lake, Red 40, titaniumdioxide, D&C blue no. 4, D&C green no. 5, D&C orange no. 4, D&C red no.17, D&C red no. 33, D&C violet no. 2, D&C yellow no. 10, and D&C yellowno. 11), adsorbents, lubricants, solvents, moisturizers (including,e.g., emollients, humectants, film formers, occlusive agents, and agentsthat affect the natural moisturization mechanisms of the skin),water-repellants, UV absorbers (physical and chemical absorbers such asparaaminobenzoic acid (“PABA”) and corresponding PABA derivatives,titanium dioxide, zinc oxide, etc.), essential oils, vitamins (e.g. A,B, C, D, E, and K), trace metals (e.g. zinc, calcium and selenium),anti-irritants (e.g. steroids and non-steroidal anti-inflammatories),botanical extracts (e.g. aloe vera, chamomile, cucumber extract, ginkgobiloba, ginseng, and rosemary), anti-microbial agents, antioxidants(e.g., BHT and tocopherol), chelating agents (e.g., disodium EDTA andtetrasodium EDTA), preservatives (e.g., methylparaben andpropylparaben), pH adjusters (e.g., sodium hydroxide and citric acid),absorbents (e.g., aluminum starch octenylsuccinate, kaolin, corn starch,oat starch, cyclodextrin, talc, and zeolite), skin bleaching andlightening agents (e.g., hydroquinone and niacinamide lactate),humectants (e.g., sorbitol, urea, and manitol), exfoliants,waterproofing agents (e.g., magnesium/aluminum hydroxide stearate), skinconditioning agents (e.g., aloe extracts, allantoin, bisabolol,ceramides, dimethicone, hyaluronic acid, and dipotassium glycyrrhizate).Non-limiting examples of some of these ingredients are provided in thefollowing subsections.

a. UV Absorption Agents

UV absorption agents that can be used in combination with thecompositions of the present invention include chemical and physicalsunblocks. Non-limiting examples of chemical sunblocks that can be usedinclude para-aminobenzoic acid (PABA), PABA esters (glyceryl PABA,amyldimethyl PABA and octyldimethyl PABA), butyl PABA, ethyl PABA, ethyldihydroxypropyl PABA, benzophenones (oxybenzone, sulisobenzone,benzophenone, and benzophenone-1 through 12), cinnamates (octylmethoxycinnamate, isoamyl p-methoxycinnamate, octylmethoxy cinnamate,cinoxate, diisopropyl methyl cinnamate, DEA-methoxycinnamate, ethyldiisopropylcinnamate, glyceryl octanoate dimethoxycinnamate and ethylmethoxycinnamate), cinnamate esters, salicylates (homomethyl salicylate,benzyl salicylate, glycol salicylate, isopropylbenzyl salicylate, etc.),anthranilates, ethyl urocanate, homosalate, octisalate, dibenzoylmethanederivatives (e.g., avobenzone), octocrylene, octyl triazone, digalloytrioleate, glyceryl aminobenzoate, lawsone with dihydroxyacetone,ethylhexyl triazone, dioctyl butamido triazone, benzylidene malonatepolysiloxane, terephthalylidene dicamphor sulfonic acid, disodium phenyldibenzimidazole tetrasulfonate, diethylamino hydroxybenzoyl hexylbenzoate, bis diethylamino hydroxybenzoyl benzoate, bisbenzoxazoylphenyl ethylhexylimino triazine, drometrizole trisiloxane,methylene bis-benzotriazolyl tetramethylbutyiphenol, andbis-ethylhexyloxyphenol methoxyphenyltriazine,4-methylbenzylidenecamphor, and isopentyl 4-methoxycinnamate.Non-limiting examples of physical sunblocks include, kaolin, talc,petrolatum and metal oxides (e.g., titanium dioxide and zinc oxide).

b. Moisturizing Agents

Non-limiting examples of moisturizing agents that can be used with thecompositions of the present invention include amino acids, chondroitinsulfate, diglycerin, erythritol, fructose, glucose, glycerin, glycerolpolymers, glycol, 1,2,6-hexanetriol, honey, hyaluronic acid,hydrogenated honey, hydrogenated starch hydrolysate, inositol, lactitol,maltitol, maltose, mannitol, natural moisturizing factor, PEG-15butanediol, polyglyceryl sorbitol, salts of pyrollidone carboxylic acid,potassium PCA, propylene glycol, sodium glucuronate, sodium PCA,sorbitol, sucrose, trehalose, urea, and xylitol.

Other examples include acetylated lanolin, acetylated lanolin alcohol,alanine, algae extract, aloe barbadensis, aloe-barbadensis extract, aloebarbadensis gel, althea officinalis extract, apricot (prunus armeniaca)kernel oil, arginine, arginine aspartate, arnica montana extract,aspartic acid, avocado (persea gratissima) oil, barrier sphingolipids,butyl alcohol, beeswax, behenyl alcohol, beta-sitosterol, birch (betulaalba) bark extract, borage (borago officinalis) extract, butcherbroom(ruscus aculeatus) extract, butylene glycol, calendula officinalisextract, calendula officinalis oil, candelilla (euphorbia cerifera) wax,canola oil, caprylic/capric triglyceride, cardamon (elettariacardamomum) oil, carnauba (copernicia cerifera) wax, carrot (daucuscarota sativa) oil, castor (ricinus communis) oil, ceramides, ceresin,ceteareth-5, ceteareth-12, ceteareth-20, cetearyl octanoate, ceteth-20,ceteth-24, cetyl acetate, cetyl octanoate, cetyl palmitate, chamomile(anthemis nobilis) oil, cholesterol, cholesterol esters, cholesterylhydroxystearate, citric acid, clary (salvia sclarea) oil, cocoa(theobroma cacao) butter, coco-caprylate/caprate, coconut (cocosnucifera) oil, collagen, collagen amino acids, corn (zea mays)oil, fattyacids, decyl oleate, dimethicone copolyol, dimethiconol, dioctyladipate, dioctyl succinate, dipentaerythrityl hexacaprylate/hexacaprate,DNA, erythritol, ethoxydiglycol, ethyl linoleate, eucalyptus globulusoil, evening primrose (oenothera biennis) oil, fatty acids, geraniummaculatum oil, glucosamine, glucose glutamate, glutamic acid,glycereth-26, glycerin, glycerol, glyceryl distearate, glycerylhydroxystearate, glyceryl laurate, glyceryl linoleate, glycerylmyristate, glyceryl oleate, glyceryl stearate, glyceryl stearate SE,glycine, glycol stearate, glycol stearate SE, glycosaminoglycans, grape(vitis vinifera) seed oil, hazel (corylus americana) nut oil, hazel(corylus avellana) nut oil, hexylene glycol, hyaluronic acid, hybridsafflower (carthamus tinctorius) oil, hydrogenated castor oil,hydrogenated coco-glycerides, hydrogenated coconut oil, hydrogenatedlanolin, hydrogenated lecithin, hydrogenated palm glyceride,hydrogenated palm kernel oil, hydrogenated soybean oil, hydrogenatedtallow glyceride, hydrogenated vegetable oil, hydrolyzed collagen,hydrolyzed elastin, hydrolyzed glycosaminoglycans, hydrolyzed keratin,hydrolyzed soy protein, hydroxylated lanolin, hydroxyproline, isocetylstearate, isocetyl stearoyl stearate, isodecyl oleate, isopropylisostearate, isopropyl lanolate, isopropyl myristate, isopropylpalmitate, isopropyl stearate, isostearamide DEA, isostearic acid,isostearyl lactate, isostearyl neopentanoate, jasmine (jasminumofficinale) oil, jojoba (buxus chinensis) oil, kelp, kukui (aleuritesmoluccana) nut oil, lactamide MEA, laneth-16, laneth-10 acetate,lanolin, lanolin acid, lanolin alcohol, lanolin oil, lanolin wax,lavender (lavandula angustifolia) oil, lecithin, lemon (citrus medicalimonum) oil, linoleic acid, linolenic acid, macadamia ternifolia nutoil, maltitol, matricaria (chamomilla recutita) oil, methyl glucosesesquistearate, methylsilanol PCA, mineral oil, mink oil, mortierellaoil, myristyl lactate, myristyl myristate, myristyl propionate,neopentyl glycol dicaprylate/dicaprate, octyldodecanol, octyldodecylmyristate, octyldodecyl stearoyl stearate, octyl hydroxystearate, octylpalmitate, octyl salicylate, octyl stearate, oleic acid, olive (oleaeuropaea) oil, orange (citrus aurantium dulcis) oil, palm (elaeisguineensis) oil, palmitic acid, pantethine, panthenol, panthenyl ethylether, paraffin, PCA, peach (prunus persica) kernel oil, peanut (arachishypogaea) oil, PEG-8 C12-18 ester, PEG-15 cocamine, PEG-150 distearate,PEG-60 glyceryl isostearate, PEG-5 glyceryl stearate, PEG-30 glycerylstearate, PEG-7 hydrogenated castor oil, PEG-40 hydrogenated castor oil,PEG-60 hydrogenated castor oil, PEG-20 methyl glucose sesquistearate,PEG40 sorbitan peroleate, PEG-5 soy sterol, PEG-10 soy sterol, PEG-2stearate, PEG-8 stearate, PEG-20 stearate, PEG-32 stearate, PEG40stearate, PEG-50 stearate, PEG-100 stearate, PEG-150 stearate,pentadecalactone, peppermint (mentha piperita) oil, petrolatum,phospholipids, polyamino sugar condensate, polyglyceryl-3 diisostearate,polyquaternium-24, polysorbate 20, polysorbate 40, polysorbate 60,polysorbate 80, polysorbate 85, potassium myristate, potassiumpalmitate, propylene glycol, propylene glycol dicaprylate/dicaprate,propylene glycol dioctanoate, propylene glycol dipelargonate, propyleneglycol laurate, propylene glycol stearate, propylene glycol stearate SE,PVP, pyridoxine dipalmitate, retinol, retinyl palmitate, rice (oryzasativa) bran oil, RNA, rosemary (rosmarinus officinalis) oil, rose oil,safflower (carthamus tinctorius) oil, sage (salvia officinalis) oil,sandalwood (santalum album) oil, serine, serum protein, sesame (sesamumindicum) oil, shea butter (butyrospermum parkii), silk powder, sodiumchondroitin sulfate, sodium hyaluronate, sodium lactate, sodiumpalmitate, sodium PCA, sodium polyglutamate, soluble collagen, sorbitanlaurate, sorbitan oleate, sorbitan palmitate, sorbitan sesquioleate,sorbitan stearate, sorbitol, soybean (glycine soja) oil, sphingolipids,squalane, squalene, stearamide MEA-stearate, stearic acid, stearoxydimethicone, stearoxytrimethylsilane, stearyl alcohol, stearylglycyrrhetinate, stearyl heptanoate, stearyl stearate, sunflower(helianthus annuus) seed oil, sweet almond (prunus amygdalus dulcis)oil, synthetic beeswax, tocopherol, tocopheryl acetate, tocopheryllinoleate, tribehenin, tridecyl neopentanoate, tridecyl stearate,triethanolamine, tristearin, urea, vegetable oil, water, waxes, wheat(triticum vulgare) germ oil, and ylang ylang (cananga odorata) oil.

c. Antioxidants

Non-limiting examples of antioxidants that can be used with thecompositions of the present invention include acetyl cysteine, ascorbicacid polypeptide, ascorbyl dipalmitate, ascorbyl methylsilanolpectinate, ascorbyl palmitate, ascorbyl stearate, BHA, BHT, t-butylhydroquinone, cysteine, cysteine HCl, diamylhydroquinone,di-t-butylhydroquinone, dicetyl thiodipropionate, dioleyl tocopherylmethylsilanol, disodium ascorbyl sulfate, distearyl thiodipropionate,ditridecyl thiodipropionate, dodecyl gallate, erythorbic acid, esters ofascorbic acid, ethyl ferulate, ferulic acid, gallic acid esters,hydroquinone, isooctyl thioglycolate, kojic acid, magnesium ascorbate,magnesium ascorbyl phosphate, methylsilanol ascorbate, natural botanicalanti-oxidants such as green tea or grape seed extracts,nordihydroguaiaretic acid, octyl gallate, phenylthioglycolic acid,potassium ascorbyl tocopheryl phosphate, potassium sulfite, propylgallate, quinones, rosmarinic acid, sodium ascorbate, sodium bisulfite,sodium erythorbate, sodium metabisulfite, sodium sulfite, superoxidedismutase, sodium thioglycolate, sorbityl furfural, thiodiglycol,thiodiglycolamide, thiodiglycolic acid, thioglycolic acid, thiolacticacid, thiosalicylic acid, tocophereth-5, tocophereth-10, tocophereth-12,tocophereth-18, tocophereth-50, tocopherol, tocophersolan, tocopherylacetate, tocopheryl linoleate, tocopheryl nicotinate, tocopherylsuccinate, and tris(nonylphenyl)phosphite.

d. Structuring Agents

In other non-limiting aspects, the compositions of the present inventioncan include a structuring agent. Structuring agent, in certain aspects,assist in providing rheological characteristics to the composition tocontribute to the composition's stability. In other aspects, structuringagents can also function as an emulsifier or surfactant. Non-limitingexamples of structuring agents include stearic acid, palmitic acid,stearyl alcohol, cetyl alcohol, behenyl alcohol, stearic acid, palmiticacid, the polyethylene glycol ether of stearyl alcohol having an averageof about 1 to about 21 ethylene oxide units, the polyethylene glycolether of cetyl alcohol having an average of about 1 to about 5 ethyleneoxide units, and mixtures thereof.

e. Emulsifiers

In certain aspects of the present invention, the compositions do notinclude an emulsifier. In other aspects, however, the compositions caninclude one or more emulsifiers. Emulsifiers can reduce the interfacialtension between phases and improve the formulation and stability of anemulsion. The emulsifiers can be nonionic, cationic, anionic, andzwitterionic emulsifiers (See McCutcheon's (1986); U.S. Pat. Nos.5,011,681; 4,421,769; 3,755,560). Non-limiting examples include estersof glycerin, esters of propylene glycol, fatty acid esters ofpolyethylene glycol, fatty acid esters of polypropylene glycol, estersof sorbitol, esters of sorbitan anhydrides, carboxylic acid copolymers,esters and ethers of glucose, ethoxylated ethers, ethoxylated alcohols,alkyl phosphates, polyoxyethylene fatty ether phosphates, fatty acidamides, acyl lactylates, soaps, TEA stearate, DEA oleth-3 phosphate,polyethylene glycol 20 sorbitan monolaurate (polysorbate 20),polyethylene glycol 5 soya sterol, steareth-2, steareth-20, steareth-21,ceteareth-20, PPG-2 methyl glucose ether distearate, ceteth-10,polysorbate 80, cetyl phosphate, potassium cetyl phosphate,diethanolamine cetyl phosphate, polysorbate 60, glyceryl stearate,PEG-100 stearate, and mixtures thereof.

f. Silicone Containing Compounds

In non-limiting aspects, silicone containing compounds include anymember of a family of polymeric products whose molecular backbone ismade up of alternating silicon and oxygen atoms with side groupsattached to the silicon atoms. By varying the —Si—O— chain lengths, sidegroups, and crosslinking, silicones can be synthesized into a widevariety of materials. They can vary in consistency from liquid to gel tosolids.

The silicone containing compounds that can be used in the context of thepresent invention include those described in this specification or thoseknown to a person of ordinary skill in the art. Non-limiting examplesinclude silicone oils (e.g., volatile and non-volatile oils), gels, andsolids. In certain aspects, the silicon containing compounds includes asilicone oils such as a polyorganosiloxane. Non-limiting examples ofpolyorganosiloxanes include dimethicone, cyclomethicone,polysilicone-11, phenyl trimethicone, trimethylsilylamodimethicone,stearoxytrimethylsilane, or mixtures of these and other organosiloxanematerials in any given ratio in order to achieve the desired consistencyand application characteristics depending upon the intended application(e.g., to a particular area such as the skin, hair, or eyes). A“volatile silicone oil” includes a silicone oil have a low heat ofvaporization, i.e. normally less than about 50 cal per gram of siliconeoil. Non-limiting examples of volatile silicone oils include:cyclomethicones such as Dow Corning 344 Fluid, Dow Corning 345 Fluid,Dow Corning 244 Fluid, and Dow Corning 245 Fluid, Volatile Silicon 7207(Union Carbide Corp., Danbury, Conn.); low viscosity dimethicones, i.e.dimethicones having a viscosity of about 50 cst or less (e.g.,dimethicones such as Dow Corning 200-0.5 cst Fluid). The Dow CorningFluids are available from Dow Corning Corporation, Midland, Mich.Cyclomethicone and dimethicone are described in the Third Edition of theCTFA Cosmetic Ingredient Dictionary (incorporated by reference) ascyclic dimethyl polysiloxane compounds and a mixture of fully methylatedlinear siloxane polymers end-blocked with trimethylsiloxy units,respectively. Other non-limiting volatile silicone oils that can be usedin the context of the present invention include those available fromGeneral Electric Co., Silicone Products Div., Waterford, N.Y. and SWSSilicones Div. of Stauffer Chemical Co., Adrian, Mich.

g. Essential Oils

Essential oils include oils derived from herbs, flowers, trees, andother plants. Such oils are typically present as tiny droplets betweenthe plant's cells, and can be extracted by several methods known tothose of skill in the art (e.g., steam distilled, enfleurage (i.e.,extraction by using fat), maceration, solvent extraction, or mechanicalpressing). When these types of oils are exposed to air they tend toevaporate (i.e., a volatile oil). As a result, many essential oils arecolorless, but with age they can oxidize and become darker. Essentialoils are insoluble in water and are soluble in alcohol, ether, fixedoils (vegetal), and other organic solvents. Typical physicalcharacteristics found in essential oils include boiling points that varyfrom about 160° to 240° C. and densities ranging from about 0.759 toabout 1.096.

Essential oils typically are named by the plant from which the oil isfound. For example, rose oil or peppermint oil are derived from rose orpeppermint plants, respectively. Non-limiting examples of essential oilsthat can be used in the context of the present invention include sesameoil, macadamia nut oil, tea tree oil, evening primrose oil, Spanish sageoil, Spanish rosemary oil, coriander oil, thyme oil, pimento berriesoil, rose oil, anise oil, balsam oil, bergamot oil, rosewood oil, cedaroil, chamomile oil, sage oil, clary sage oil, clove oil, cypress oil,eucalyptus oil, fennel oil, sea fennel oil, frankincense oil, geraniumoil, ginger oil, grapefruit oil, jasmine oil, juniper oil, lavender oil,lemon oil, lemongrass oil, lime oil, mandarin oil, marjoram oil, myrrhoil, neroli oil, orange oil, patchouli oil, pepper oil, black pepperoil, petitgrain oil, pine oil, rose otto oil, rosemary oil, sandalwoodoil, spearmint oil, spikenard oil, vetiver oil, wintergreen oil, orylang ylang. Other essential oils known to those of skill in the art arealso contemplated as being useful within the context of the presentinvention.

h. Thickening Agents

Thickening agents, including thickener or gelling agents, includesubstances which that can increase the viscosity of a composition.Thickeners includes those that can increase the viscosity of acomposition without substantially modifying the efficacy of the activeingredient within the composition. Thickeners can also increase thestability of the compositions of the present invention. In certainaspects of the present invention, thickeners include hydrogenatedpolyisobutene or trihydroxystearin, or a mixture of both.

Non-limiting examples of additional thickening agents that can be usedin the context of the present invention include carboxylic acidpolymers, crosslinked polyacrylate polymers, polyacrylamide polymers,polysaccharides, and gums. Examples of carboxylic acid polymers includecrosslinked compounds containing one or more monomers derived fromacrylic acid, substituted acrylic acids, and salts and esters of theseacrylic acids and the substituted acrylic acids, wherein thecrosslinking agent contains two or more carbon-carbon double bonds andis derived from a polyhydric alcohol (see U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,087,445;4,509,949; 2,798,053; CTFA International Cosmetic Ingredient Dictionary,Fourth edition, 1991, pp. 12 and 80). Examples of commercially availablecarboxylic acid polymers include carbomers, which are homopolymers ofacrylic acid crosslinked with allyl ethers of sucrose or pentaerytritol(e.g., Carbopol™ 900 series from B. F. Goodrich).

Non-limiting examples of crosslinked polyacrylate polymers includecationic and nonionic polymers. Examples are described in U.S. Pat. Nos.5,100,660; 4,849,484; 4,835,206; 4,628,078; 4,599,379.

Non-limiting examples of polyacrylamide polymers (including nonionicpolyacrylamide polymers including substituted branched or unbranchedpolymers) include polyacrylamide, isoparaffin and laureth-7, multi-blockcopolymers of acrylamides and substituted acrylamides with acrylic acidsand substituted acrylic acids.

Non-limiting examples of polysaccharides include cellulose,carboxymethyl hydroxyethylcellulose, cellulose acetate propionatecarboxylate, hydroxyethylcellulose, hydroxyethyl ethylcellulose,hydroxypropylcellulose, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, methylhydroxyethylcellulose, microcrystalline cellulose, sodium cellulosesulfate, and mixtures thereof.

Another example is an alkyl substituted cellulose where the hydroxygroups of the cellulose polymer is hydroxyalkylated (preferably hydroxyethylated or hydroxypropylated) to form a hydroxyalkylated cellulosewhich is then further modified with a C₁₀-C₃₀ straight chain or branchedchain alkyl group through an ether linkage. Typically these polymers areethers of C₁₀-C₃₀ straight or branched chain alcohols withhydroxyalkylcelluloses. Other useful polysaccharides includescleroglucans comprising a linear chain of (1-3) linked glucose unitswith a (1-6) linked glucose every three unit.

Non-limiting examples of gums that can be used with the presentinvention include acacia, agar, algin, alginic acid, ammonium alginate,amylopectin, calcium alginate, calcium carrageenan, carnitine,carrageenan, dextrin, gelatin, gellan gum, guar gum, guarhydroxypropyltrimonium chloride, hectorite, hyaluroinic acid, hydratedsilica, hydroxypropyl chitosan, hydroxypropyl guar, karaya gum, kelp,locust bean gum, natto gum, potassium alginate, potassium carrageenan,propylene glycol alginate, sclerotium gum, sodium carboyxmethyl dextran,sodium carrageenan, tragacanth gum, xanthan gum, and mixtures thereof.

i. Preservatives

Non-limiting examples of preservatives that can be used in the contextof the present invention include quaternary ammonium preservatives suchas polyquaternium-1 and benzalkonium halides (e.g., benzalkoniumchloride (“BAC”) and benzalkonium bromide), parabens (e.g.,methylparabens and propylparabens), phenoxyethanol, benzyl alcohol,chlorobutanol, phenol, sorbic acid, thimerosal or combinations thereof.

2. Pharmaceutical Ingredients

Pharmaceutical active agents are also contemplated as being useful withthe compositions of the present invention. Non-limiting examples ofpharmaceutical active agents include anti-acne agents, agents used totreat rosacea, analgesics, anesthetics, anorectals, antihistamines,anti-inflammatory agents including non-steroidal anti-inflammatorydrugs, antibiotics, antifungals, antivirals, antimicrobials, anti-canceractives, scabicides, pediculicides, antineoplastics, antiperspirants,antipruritics, antipsoriatic agents, antiseborrheic agents, biologicallyactive proteins and peptides, burn treatment agents, cauterizing agents,depigmenting agents, depilatories, diaper rash treatment agents,enzymes, hair growth stimulants, hair growth retardants including DFMOand its salts and analogs, hemostatics, kerotolytics, canker soretreatment agents, cold sore treatment agents, dental and periodontaltreatment agents, photosensitizing actives, skin protectant/barrieragents, steroids including hormones and corticosteroids, sunburntreatment agents, sunscreens, transdermal actives, nasal actives,vaginal actives, wart treatment agents, wound treatment agents, woundhealing agents, etc.

F. Kits

Kits are also contemplated as being used in certain aspects of thepresent invention. For instance, compositions of the present inventioncan be included in a kit. A kit can include a container. Containers caninclude a bottle, a metal tube, a laminate tube, a plastic tube, adispenser, a pressurized container, a barrier container, a package, acompartment, a lipstick container, a compact container, cosmetic pansthat can hold cosmetic compositions, or other types of containers suchas injection or blow-molded plastic containers into which thedispersions or compositions or desired bottles, dispensers, or packagesare retained. The kit and/or container can include indicia on itssurface. The indicia, for example, can be a word, a phrase, anabbreviation, a picture, or a symbol.

The containers can dispense a pre-determined amount of the composition.In other embodiments, the container can be squeezed (e.g., metal,laminate, or plastic tube) to dispense a desired amount of thecomposition. The composition can be dispensed as a spray, an aerosol, aliquid, a fluid, or a semi-solid. The containers can have spray, pump,or squeeze mechanisms. A kit can also include instructions for employingthe kit components as well the use of any other compositions included inthe container. Instructions can include an explanation of how to apply,use, and maintain the compositions.

EXAMPLES

The following examples are included to demonstrate certain non-limitingaspects of the invention. It should be appreciated by those of skill inthe art that the techniques disclosed in the examples which followrepresent techniques discovered by the inventor to function well in thepractice of the invention. However, those of skill in the art should, inlight of the present disclosure, appreciate that many changes can bemade in the specific embodiments which are disclosed and still obtain alike or similar result without departing from the spirit and scope ofthe invention.

Example 1 In Vivo Data for Skin Roughness and Elasticity

In vivo testing was performed using a composition comprising 0.5% byweight of Rubus fruticosus leaf extract, 0.75% by weight of Arganiaspinosa kernel oil, 0.5% by weight of Coleus barbatus extract, 0.8% byweight of glycolic acid, and 0.1% by weight of a mixture of caffeine,escin, and algae extract. Rubus fruticosus leaf extract was purchasedfrom Symrise (Germany) under the trade name SymMatrix®, the Arganiaspinosa kernel oil was purchased from BASF (USA) under the trade nameLipofructyl Argan®, the Coleus barbatus extract was purchased fromActives International (USA) under the trade name Via Pure® Coleus, andthe mixture comprising mixture of caffeine, escin, and algae extract waspurchased from Rovi GMBH (Germany) under the trade name Rovisome® F.E.C.In particular, a 3-week clinical evaluation for skin roughness/textureand skin elasticity/firmness was performed using a proprietary baselotion formulation as the vehicle for the aforementioned ingredients.This set-up allowed for confirmation that the combination of ingredientscan improve skin roughness and reduce the appearance of cellulite onaffected skin.

Nineteen (19) female panelists between the ages of 21 to 65 years wereenrolled in and completed the three week monadic study. Panelists wererequired to have mild to moderate cellulite on thighs. Panelists wereinstructed to stop using all cellulite and body treatment products andto continue using their normal basic body lotion. Panelists wereinstructed to apply the product onto cellulite prone areas of the thighstwice daily (AM and PM) by gently massaging the product onto the skin.

At Day 0 (baseline) and at the end of week 3 (Day 21), skin replicaswere taken on the back of one thigh using Silfo resin. Skin elasticityand firmness measurements were taken using BTC on the back of adifferent thigh.

After 3 weeks, 79% of panelists showed improvement in skinroughness/texture compared to the baseline. Results are shown in Table1, and photos of the replicas at Day 0 and Day 21 are shown in FIGS. 2A-B.

TABLE 1 REPLICA ANALYSIS Percent of Panelists Showed ImprovementCompared to Baseline [Mean % Percent] Week 3 Parameter N = 19 Roughness 79%* (SRq) [17%] *Significant at 95% confidence level compared tobaseline

Skin elasticity: After 3 weeks, 74% of panelists showed improvement inskin elasticity compared to baseline. There was a directionalimprovement in skin firmness. However, it was not significant comparedto baseline. Results are shown in Table 2.

TABLE 2 BTC MEASUREMENTS Percent of Panelists Showed ImprovementCompared to Baseline [Mean % Percent] Week 3 Parameter N = 19 Elasticity74%* [5%] Firmness Showed directional improvement, but it was notsignificant compared to baseline *Significant at 95% confidence levelcompared to baseline

Based on the results of this study, the product showed a significantimprovement in skin texture and elasticity after three weeks compared tobaseline. The formula is also a good predictor to pass for increase inskin elasticity after three weeks compared to baseline. Regarding theskin firmness, the results from this research study showed that it wouldtake longer than three weeks to show significant improvement compared tobaseline.

Example 2 In Vitro Data for Adipocyte Size Reduction

The same combination of actives, in the same amounts, and the same baselotion formulation from Example 1 was also used to test the ability ofthe combination of ingredients to reduce the size of adipocytes on humanskin explants. The results of this In vitro study confirm that after 10days of treatment the combination of actives reduced the size ofadipocytes by 8% in adipocytes having a starting size of 40-160 μm andincreased the size of adipocytes by 16% in adipocytes having a startingsize of 0-40 μm. The protocol used to procure these data is providedbelow.

Explant Preparation:

6 skin explants from a subject having an average diameter of 10 mm (+1mm) with about 0.5 cm thickness of hypodermis were prepared. Theexplants were kept in survival in BEM culture medium light (BIO-EC'sExplants Medium Light) at 37° C. in a humid, 5%-CO₂ atmosphere.

Product/Lotion Application:

On days DO, D3, D4, D6, and D7, 2 mg·cm² of the lotion was topicallyapplied to three explants with a small spatula. The remaining threeexplants did not receive the lotion and were therefore used as acontrol.

Sampling:

On day DO, 3 explants were collected and cut in two parts. One part wasfixed in ordinary Bouin, the other was frozen at −80° C. On day D10, thethree explants in which the lotion was applied on days D3, D4, D6, andD7, were collected and process in the same way.

Histological Processing:

After fixation for 48 hours in ordinary bouin, the samples weredehydrated and impregnated in paraffin using a using a Leica TP 1010 ourTP 1020 dehydration automat according to the SOP H-149. The samples werethen embedded according to SOP H-153 using a Leica EG 1160 embeddingstation. 5-μm-thick sections were made according to SOP H-173 using aLeica RM 2125 Minot-type microtome, and the sections were then mountedon Superfrost® histological glass slides. The frozen samples were cutinto 7-μm-thick sections using a Leica CM 3050 cryostat. Sections werethen mounted on Superfrost® plus silanized glass slides. Themicroscopical observations were made using a Leica DMLB or Orthoplanmicroscope. Pictures were digitized with a digital DP72 Olympus camerawith the Olympus CellD software.

Results:

The lipolytic activity has been evaluated by the average of adipocytessize. The expression of the measures as distribution according toadipocyte size allows to better highlight the variation induced by thedifferent treatments. For each batch, adipocytes have been regroupedaccording to their equivalent circular diameter. The results areexpressed as % of adipocytes belonging to a particular class. Inparticular, an increase of 16% of the class of adipocytes with anequivalent circular diameter of 0-40 μm was observed, whereas a decreaseof 8% of the class with a diameter of 40-160 μm was observed. Thisconfirms that a decrease in the size of adipocytes was observed aslarger sized adipocytes decreased, thereby resulting in an increase inthe number of smaller sized adipocytes. Table 3 provides a summary ofthese results. FIGS. 3A, 3B, and 3C illustrate the morphology (bydigital microscope) of the cells at day 0, day 10 untreated, and day 10treated, respectively.

TABLE 3* Untreated Treated Number of adipocytes 325 402 Diameter Max(μm) 152.1 135.0 Diameter Min (μm) 11.52 11.42 Diameter Average (μm)59.96 54 Diameter Median 56.14 57.1 Distribution of adipocytes (%) intwo classes according to the equivalent circular diameter (0 to 40 μmand ≧40 μm) % class 0-40 μm 34.15 39.6 % class 40-160 μm 65.85 60.4

Example 3 In Vitro Data for Epidermal Thickness and Triglyceride Release

The same combination of actives, in the same amounts, and the same baselotion formulation from Example 1 was also used to test the ability ofthe combination of ingredients to increase epidermal thickness andtriglyceride release from adipocytes. The same type of explants andtreatment conditions used in Example 2 were used in this Example 3. Thesame type of explants and treatment conditions used in Example 2 wereused in this Example 3. The results of this study show that epidermalthickness is increased by 21%, and triglyceride release is increased by207%.

Image Analysis of Epidermis Thickness:

The epidermis thickness was determined by image analysis with softwareLEICA QWIN. Table 4 provides the results.

TABLE 4* Day 0 Day 10 Thickness (μm) Average/SD Average/SD Control(untreated) 27.0/6.3 26.4/7.9  Treated N/A   32/12.3

Lipid Assay:

After extraction from the culture medium, lipids were assayed by TLC.Lipolytic activity was evaluated by proportions analysis oftriglycerides, diglycerides, monoglycerides and free fatty acids. Tables5-6 provide the results.

TABLE 5* Day 0 Day 10 Fatty Acids (μg) Average/SD Average/SD Control(untreated) 24.6/6.5 21.2.3.3 Treated N/A 21.5/3.1

TABLE 6* Day 0 Day 10 Triglycerides (μg) Average/SD Average/SD Control(untreated) 21.9/9.2 366.9/109.1 Treated N/A 1124.6/251.9 

Glycerol Assay:

Glycerol was directly assayed on culture medium after lipids extractionby an enzymatic method using the Megazyme K-GCROL kit. Table 7 providesthe results.

TABLE 7* Day 0 Day 10 Glycerol (mg/ml) Average/SD Average/SD Control(untreated) 0.0006/0.0003 0.182/0.055 Treated N/A 0.204/0.081

Example 4 Non-Limiting Examples of Compositions

The compositions in Tables 8-10 are non-limiting compositions that canbe used in the context of the present invention.

TABLE 8* Ingredient % Concentration (by weight) Phase A Water q.s. to100 Xanthum gum 0.1 M-paraben 0.15 P-paraben 0.1 Citric acid 0.01 PhaseB Cetyl alcohol 4.0 Glyceryl stearate + PEG 100 4.0 Octyl palmitate 4.0Dimethicone 1.0 Tocopheryl acetate 0.2 Phase C Active Ingredients** 5.0*Sprinkle Xanthum gum in water and mix for 10 min. Subsequently, add allingredients in phase A and heat to 70-75° C. Add all items in phase B toseparate beaker and heat to 70-75° C. Mix phases A and B at 70-75° C.Continue mixing and allow composition to cool to 30° C. Subsequently,add phase C ingredient while mixing. **Any of the active ingredients (orcombination thereof) described in the specification can be used. Forinstance, the active ingredients can include Rubus fruticosus leafextract, Argania spinosa kernel oil, Coleus barbatus extract, glycolicacid, and a mixture of caffeine, escin, and algae extract (e.g.,Ascophyllum nodosum extract). Although the total amount of activeingredients in the Table 1 formulation is 5% w/w, it is contemplatedthat the amount of active ingredients can be increased or decreased toachieve a desired result, where the water amount can beincreased/decreased accordingly (e.g., q.s.).

TABLE 9* Ingredient % Concentration (by weight) Phase A Water q.s. to100 M-paraben 0.2 P-paraben 0.1 Na2 EDTA 0.1 Shea butter 4.5 Petrolatum4.5 Glycerin 4.0 Propylene Glycol 2.0 Finsolve TN 2.0 Phase B Sepigel305 2.0 Phase C Active Ingredient(s)** 2.0 *Add ingredients in phase Ato beaker and heat to 70-75° C. while mixing. Subsequently, add thephase B ingredient with phase A and cool to 30° C. with mixing.Subsequently, add phase C ingredient while mixing. **Any of the activeingredients (or combination thereof) described in the specification canbe used. For instance, the active ingredients can include Rubusfruticosus leaf extract, Argania spinosa kernel oil, Coleus barbatusextract, glycolic acid, and a mixture of caffeine, escin, and algaeextract (e.g., Ascophyllum nodosum extract). Although the total amountof active ingredients in the Table 2 formulation is 2% w/w, it iscontemplated that the amount of active ingredients can be increased ordecreased to achieve a desired result, where the water amount can beincreased/decreased accordingly (e.g., q.s.).

TABLE 10* % Concentration Ingredient (by weight) Water 65 Alcohol Denat.8.3 Glycerin 5 Sorbitol 3.5 Cyclopentasiloxane 3 Dimethicone 1.6Caffeine 1 Pentaerythrityl Tetraisostearate 1 Caprylic/CapricTriglyceride 1 Pentylene Glycol 1 Ethoxydiglycol 1 AmmoniumAcryloyldimethyltaurate/VP 1 Copolymer Triethanolamine 0.8 ArganiaSpinosa Kernel Oil** 0.75 Jojoba Esters 0.75 Glycolic Acid 0.56Phenoxyethanol 0.52 Cetyl Alcohol 0.5 Dipropylene Glycol 0.48Maltodextrin 0.46 Caprylyl Glycol 0.41 Cetearyl Alcohol 0.39Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer 0.30 Xanthan Gum 0.25Menthyl Lactate 0.25 Fragrance 0.25 Rubus Fruticosus (Blackberry) LeafExtract** 0.04 Coleus Barbatus Root Extract** 0.03 Escin** 0.003Ascophyllum Nodosum Extract** 0.003 Excipients*** q.s. *This formulationis structured as a cream-gel and was prepared by mixing the ingredientstogether under heat and then allowing the mixture to cool to roomtemperature (20 to 25° C.) to form the cream-gel structure. **Arganiaspinosa kernel oil was from BASF (USA) under the trade name LipofructylArgan ®. Rubus fivicosus extract was from Symrise (Germany) under thetrade name SymMatrix ®. Coleus barbatus extract was from ActivesInternational (USA) under the trade name Via Pure ® Coleus. Caffeine,escin, and Ascophyllum nodosum extract was a mixture from Rovi GMBH(Germany) under the trade name Rovisome ® F.E.C. ***Additionalexcipients can be used to modify the rheological or tactile propertiesof the formula or to include preservative systems as desired. Theamounts of these excipients can be varied as desired, includingincreased, by further modifying the amount of water in the formula.

The Table 10 formulation was subjected to a 12 week clinical study todetermine the efficacy of the formulation in treating the appearance ofcellulite, improving skin texture, and improving skin elasticity andfirmness. Forty-five females (“panelists”) having an age range between20-65 used the Table 10 formulation twice per day (AM and PM) for twelveweeks on thighs having the appearance of cellulite and rough skintexture (“targeted area”). Panelists having mild to moderate celluliteon the thighs were selected for this study. The panelists did not useother skin products on their thighs. At day 0, all panelists were testedas the baseline/start point. Clinical evaluations and biophysicalmeasurements were subsequently taken at weeks 3, 8, and 12 of thisstudy. The evaluations included: (1) expert visual grading of celluliteappearance and skin texture (Table 11); (2) panelist measurementsconcerning skin elasticity and firmness (Table 12); and photographs ofthree panelists at baseline (week 0 or “Before”) and at week 12 (end ofstudy) (see FIGS. 4A-C). The data in Tables 11-12 and in FIGS. 4A-Cconfirm that the Table 10 composition is clinically shown to improve theappearance of cellulite, skin texture, and elasticity in a person'sskin.

TABLE 11 (Expert Visual Grading Data) % of Panelists Showing ImprovementCompared to Baseline Parameter [Mean %] Graded Week 3 Week 8 Week 12Cellulite 44 [7]  71 [13] 73 [18] Appearance Skin Texture/ 75 [32] 86[44] 95 [55] Smoothness

TABLE 12 (Panelist Measurement Data) % of Panelists Showing ImprovementCompared to Baseline [Mean %] Parameter Graded Week 3 Week 8 Week 12Skin Elasticity (Ur/Ue) 69 [10] NS* 75 [7] Skin Firmness (Uf) 67 [5]  67[8] NS* *NS: Not significant at 95% confidence level compared tobaseline.

Example 5 Additional Assays

In addition to the assays mentioned above, the efficacy of thecombination of ingredients disclosed throughout the specification andclaims can be determined by using the following assays.

Erythema Assay:

An assay to measure the reduction of skin redness can be evaluated usinga Minolta Chromometer. Skin erythema may be induced by applying a 0.2%solution of sodium dodecyl sulfate on the forearm of a subject. The areais protected by an occlusive patch for 24 hrs. After 24 hrs, the patchis removed and the irritation-induced redness can be assessed using thea* values of the Minolta Chroma Meter. The a* value measures changes inskin color in the red region. Immediately after reading, the area istreated with a composition of the present invention. Repeat measurementsare taken at regular intervals to determine the formula's ability toreduce redness and irritation.

Skin Moisture/Hydration Assay:

Skin moisture/hydration benefits can be measured by using impedancemeasurements with the Nova Dermal Phase Meter. The impedance metermeasures changes in skin moisture content. The outer layer of the skinhas distinct electrical properties. When skin is dry it conductselectricity very poorly. As it becomes more hydrated increasingconductivity results. Consequently, changes in skin impedance (relatedto conductivity) can be used to assess changes in skin hydration. Theunit can be calibrated according to instrument instructions for eachtesting day. A notation of temperature and relative humidity can also bemade. Subjects can be evaluated as follows: prior to measurement theycan equilibrate in a room with defined humidity (e.g., 30-50%) andtemperature (e.g., 68-72° C.). Three separate impedance readings can betaken on each side of the face, recorded, and averaged. The T5 settingcan be used on the impedance meter which averages the impedance valuesof every five seconds application to the face. Changes can be reportedwith statistical variance and significance.

Skin Clarity and Reduction in Freckles and Age Spots Assay:

Skin clarity and the reduction in freckles and age spots can beevaluated using a Minolta Chromometer. Changes in skin color can beassessed to determine irritation potential due to product treatmentusing the a* values of the Minolta Chroma Meter. The a* value measureschanges in skin color in the red region. This is used to determinewhether a composition is inducing irritation. The measurements can bemade on each side of the face and averaged, as left and right facialvalues. Skin clarity can also be measured using the Minolta Meter. Themeasurement is a combination of the a*, b, and L values of the MinoltaMeter and is related to skin brightness, and correlates well with skinsmoothness and hydration. Skin reading is taken as above. In onenon-limiting aspect, skin clarity can be described as L/C where C ischroma and is defined as (a²+b2)^(1/2).

Skin Dryness, Surface Fine Lines, Skin Smoothness, and Skin Tone Assay:

Skin dryness, surface fine lines, skin smoothness, and skin tone can beevaluated with clinical grading techniques. For example, clinicalgrading of skin dryness can be determined by a five point standardKligman Scale: (0) skin is soft and moist; (1) skin appears normal withno visible dryness; (2) skin feels slightly dry to the touch with novisible flaking; (3) skin feels dry, tough, and has a whitish appearancewith some scaling; and (4) skin feels very dry, rough, and has a whitishappearance with scaling. Evaluations can be made independently by twoclinicians and averaged.

Clinical Grading of Skin Tone Assay:

Clinical grading of skin tone can be performed via a ten point analognumerical scale: (10) even skin of uniform, pinkish brown color. Nodark, erythremic, or scaly patches upon examination with a hand heldmagnifying lens. Microtexture of the skin very uniform upon touch; (7)even skin tone observed without magnification. No scaly areas, butslight discolorations either due to pigmentation or erythema. Nodiscolorations more than 1 cm in diameter; (4) both skin discolorationand uneven texture easily noticeable. Slight scaliness. Skin rough tothe touch in some areas; and (1) uneven skin coloration and texture.Numerous areas of scaliness and discoloration, either hypopigmented,erythremic or dark spots. Large areas of uneven color more than 1 cm indiameter. Evaluations were made independently by two clinicians andaveraged.

Clinical Grading of Skin Smoothness Assay:

Clinical grading of skin smoothness can be analyzed via a ten pointanalog numerical scale: (10) smooth, skin is moist and glistening, noresistance upon dragging finger across surface; (7) somewhat smooth,slight resistance; (4) rough, visibly altered, friction upon rubbing;and (1) rough, flaky, uneven surface. Evaluations were madeindependently by two clinicians and averaged.

Skin Smoothness and Wrinkle Reduction Assay With Methods Disclosed inPackman et al. (1978):

Skin smoothness and wrinkle reduction can also be assessed visually byusing the methods disclosed in Packman et al. (1978). For example, ateach subject visit, the depth, shallowness and the total number ofsuperficial facial lines (SFLs) of each subject can be carefully scoredand recorded. A numerical score was obtained by multiplying a numberfactor times a depth/width/length factor. Scores are obtained for theeye area and mouth area (left and right sides) and added together as thetotal wrinkle score.

Skin Firmness Assay with a Hargens Ballistometer:

Skin firmness can be measured using a Hargens ballistometer, a devicethat evaluates the elasticity and firmness of the skin by dropping asmall body onto the skin and recording its first two rebound peaks. Theballistometry is a small lightweight probe with a relatively blunt tip(4 square mm-contact area) was used. The probe penetrates slightly intothe skin and results in measurements that are dependent upon theproperties of the outer layers of the skin, including the stratumcorneum and outer epidermis and some of the dermal layers.

Skin Softness/Suppleness Assay with a Gas Bearing Electrodynamometer:

Skin softness/suppleness can be evaluated using the Gas BearingElectrodynamometer, an instrument that measures the stress/strainproperties of the skin. The viscoelastic properties of skin correlatewith skin moisturization. Measurements can be obtained on thepredetermined site on the cheek area by attaching the probe to the skinsurface with double-stick tape. A force of approximately 3.5 μm can beapplied parallel to the skin surface and the skin displacement isaccurately measured. Skin suppleness can then be calculated and isexpressed as DSR (Dynamic Spring Rate in gm/mm).

Appearance of Lines and Wrinkles Assay with Replicas:

The appearance of lines and wrinkles on the skin can be evaluated usingreplicas, which is the impression of the skin's surface. Silicone rubberlike material can be used. The replica can be analyzed by imageanalysis. Changes in the visibility of lines and wrinkles can beobjectively quantified via the taking of silicon replicas form thesubjects' face and analyzing the replicas image using a computer imageanalysis system. Replicas can be taken from the eye area and the neckarea, and photographed with a digital camera using a low angle incidencelighting. The digital images can be analyzed with an image processingprogram and the area of the replicas covered by wrinkles or fine lineswas determined.

Surface Contour of the Skin Assay with a Profilometer/Stylus Method:

The surface contour of the skin can be measured by using theprofilometer/Stylus method. This includes either shining a light ordragging a stylus across the replica surface. The vertical displacementof the stylus can be fed into a computer via a distance transducer, andafter scanning a fixed length of replica a cross-sectional analysis ofskin profile can be generated as a two-dimensional curve. This scan canbe repeated any number of times along a fix axis to generate a simulated3-D picture of the skin. Ten random sections of the replicas using thestylus technique can be obtained and combined to generate averagevalues. The values of interest include Ra which is the arithmetic meanof all roughness (height) values computed by integrating the profileheight relative to the mean profile height. Rt which is the maximumvertical distance between the highest peak and lowest trough, and Rzwhich is the mean peak amplitude minus the mean peak height. Values aregiven as a calibrated value in mm. Equipment should be standardizedprior to each use by scanning metal standards of know values. Ra Valuecan be computed by the following equation: R_(a)=Standardize roughness;l_(m)=the traverse (scan) length; and y=the absolute value of thelocation of the profile relative to the mean profile height (x-axis).

MELANODERM™ Assay:

In other non-limiting aspects, the efficacy of the compositions of thepresent invention can be evaluated by using a skin analog, such as, forexample, MELANODERM™. Melanocytes, one of the cells in the skin analog,stain positively when exposed to L-dihydroxyphenyl alanine (L-DOPA), aprecursor of melanin. The skin analog, MELANODERM™, can be treated witha variety of bases containing the compositions and whitening agents ofthe present invention or with the base alone as a control.Alternatively, an untreated sample of the skin analog can be used as acontrol.

ORAC Assay:

Oxygen Radical Absorption (or Absorbance) Capacity (ORAC) of thearomatic skin-active ingredients and compositions can also be assayed bymeasuring the antioxidant activity of such ingredients or compositions.This assay can quantify the degree and length of time it takes toinhibit the action of an oxidizing agent such as oxygen radicals thatare known to cause damage cells (e.g., skin cells). The ORAC value ofthe aromatic skin-active ingredients and compositions can be determinedby methods known to those of ordinary skill in the art (see U.S.Publication Nos. 2004/0109905 and 2005/0163880; Cao et al. (1993)), allof which are incorporated by reference). In summary, the assay describedin Cao et al. (1993) measures the ability of antioxidant compounds intest materials to inhibit the decline of B-phycoerythrm (B-PE)fluorescence that is induced by a peroxyl radical generator, AAPH.

Matrix Metalloproteinase Enzyme Activity (MMP3; MMP9) Assay:

An in vitro matrix metalloprotease (MMP) inhibition assay. MMPs areextracellular proteases that play a role in many normal and diseasestates by virtue of their broad substrate specificity. MMP3 substratesinclude collagens, fibronectins, and laminin; while MMP9 substratesinclude collagen VII, fibronectins and laminin. Using Colorimetric DrugDiscovery kits from BioMol International for MMP3 (AK-400) and MMP-9(AK-410), this assay is designed to measure protease activity of MMPsusing a thiopeptide as a chromogenic substrate(Ac-PLG-[2-mercapto-4-methyl-pentanoyl]-LG-OC2H5)5,6. The MMP cleavagesite peptide bond is replaced by a thioester bond in the thiopeptide.Hydrolysis of this bond by an MMP produces a sulfhydryl group, whichreacts with DTNB [5,5′-dithiobis(2-nitrobenzoic acid), Ellman's reagent]to form 2-nitro-5-thiobenzoic acid, which can be detected by itsabsorbance at 412 nm (ε=13,600 M-1 cm-1 at pH 6.0 and above 7).

B16 Pigmentation Assay:

Melanogenesis is the process by which melanocytes produce melanin, anaturally produced pigment that imparts color to skin, hair, and eyes.Inhibiting melanogenesis is beneficial to prevent skin darkening andlighten dark spots associated with aging. This bioassay utilizes B16-F1melanocytes (ATCC), an immortalized mouse melanoma cell line, to analyzethe effect of compounds on melanogenesis. The endpoint of this assay isa spectrophotometric measurement of melanin production and cellularviability. B16-F1 melanocytes, can be cultivated in standard DMEM growthmedium with 10% fetal bovine serum (Mediatech) at 37° C. in 10% CO₂ andthen treated with any one of the active ingredients, combination ofingredients, or compositions having said combinations disclosed in thespecification for 6 days. Following incubation, melanin secretion wasmeasured by absorbance at 405 nm and cellular viability was quantified.

Collagen Stimulation Assay:

Collagen is an extracellular matrix protein critical for skin structure.Increased synthesis of collagen helps improve skin firmness andelasticity. This bioassay can be used to examine the effect of any oneof the active ingredients, combination of ingredients, or compositionshaving said combinations disclosed in the specification on theproduction of procollagen peptide (a precursor to collagen) by humanepidermal fibroblasts. The endpoint of this assay is aspectrophotometric measurement that reflects the presence of procollagenpeptide and cellular viability. The assay employs the quantitativesandwich enzyme immunoassay technique whereby a monoclonal antibodyspecific for procollagen peptide has been pre-coated onto a microplate.Standards and samples can be pipetted into the wells and any procollagenpeptide present is bound by the immobilized antibody. After washing awayany unbound substances, an enzyme-linked polyclonal antibody specificfor procollagen peptide can be added to the wells. Following a wash toremove any unbound antibody-enzyme reagent, a substrate solution can beadded to the wells and color develops in proportion to the amount ofprocollagen peptide bound in the initial step using a microplate readerfor detection at 450 nm. The color development can be stopped and theintensity of the color can be measured. Subconfluent normal human adultepidermal fibroblasts (Cascade Biologics) cultivated in standard DMEMgrowth medium with 10% fetal bovine serum (Mediatech) at 37° C. in 10%CO₂, can be treated with each of the combination of ingredients orcompositions having said combinations disclosed in the specification for3 days. Following incubation, cell culture medium can be collected andthe amount of procollagen peptide secretion quantified using a sandwichenzyme linked immuno-sorbant assay (ELISA) from Takara (#MK101).

Tumor Necrosis Factor Alpha (TNF-α) Assay:

The prototype ligand of the TNF superfamily, TNF-α, is a pleiotropiccytokine that plays a central role in inflammation. Increase in itsexpression is associated with an up regulation in pro-inflammatoryactivity. This bioassay can be used to analyze the effect of any one ofthe active ingredients, combination of ingredients, or compositionshaving said combinations disclosed in the specification on theproduction of TNF-α by human epidermal keratinocytes. The endpoint ofthis assay can be a spectrophotometric measurement that reflects thepresence of TNF-α and cellular viability. The assay employs thequantitative sandwich enzyme immunoassay technique whereby a monoclonalantibody specific for TNF-α has been pre-coated onto a microplate.Standards and samples can be pipetted into the wells and any TNF-αpresent is bound by the immobilized antibody. After washing away anyunbound substances, an enzyme-linked polyclonal antibody specific forTNF-α can be added to the wells. Following a wash to remove any unboundantibody-enzyme reagent, a substrate solution can be added to the wellsand color develops in proportion to the amount of TNF-α bound in theinitial step using a microplate reader for detection at 450 nm. Thecolor development can be stopped and the intensity of the color can bemeasured. Subconfluent normal human adult keratinocytes (CascadeBiologics) cultivated in EpiLife standard growth medium (CascadeBiologics) at 37° C. in 5% CO₂, can be treated with phorbol 12-myristate13-acetate (PMA, 10 ng/ml, Sigma Chemical, #P1585-1MG) and any one ofthe active ingredients, combination of ingredients, or compositionshaving said combinations disclosed in the specification for 6 hours. PMAhas been shown to cause a dramatic increase in TNF-α secretion whichpeaks at 6 hours after treatment. Following incubation, cell culturemedium can be collected and the amount of TNF-α secretion quantifiedusing a sandwich enzyme linked immuno-sorbant assay (ELISA) from R&DSystems (#DTA00C).

Antioxidant (AO) Assay:

An in vitro bioassay that measures the total anti-oxidant capacity ofany one of the ingredients, combination of ingredients, or compositionshaving said combinations disclosed in the specification. The assayrelies on the ability of antioxidants in the sample to inhibit theoxidation of ABTS® (2,2′-azino-di-[3-ethylbenzthiazoline sulphonate]) toABTS®+ by metmyoglobin. The antioxidant system of living organismsincludes enzymes such as superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathioneperoxidase; macromolecules such as albumin, ceruloplasmin, and ferritin;and an array of small molecules, including ascorbic acid, α-tocopherol,β-carotene, reduced glutathione, uric acid, and bilirubin. The sum ofendogenous and food-derived antioxidants represents the totalantioxidant activity of the extracellular fluid. Cooperation of all thedifferent antioxidants provides greater protection against attack byreactive oxygen or nitrogen radicals, than any single compound alone.Thus, the overall antioxidant capacity may give more relevant biologicalinformation compared to that obtained by the measurement of individualcomponents, as it considers the cumulative effect of all antioxidantspresent in plasma and body fluids. The capacity of the antioxidants inthe sample to prevent ABTS oxidation is compared with that of Trolox, awater-soluble tocopherol analogue, and is quantified as molar Troloxequivalents. Anti-Oxidant capacity kit #709001 from Cayman Chemical (AnnArbor, Mich. USA) can be used as an in vitro bioassay to measure thetotal anti-oxidant capacity of each of any one of the activeingredients, combination of ingredients, or compositions having saidcombinations disclosed in the specification. The protocol can befollowed according to manufacturer recommendations. The assay relied onantioxidants in the sample to inhibit the oxidation of ABTS®(2,2′-azino-di-[3-ethylbenzthiazoline sulphonate]) to ABTS®+ bymetmyoglobin. The capacity of the antioxidants in the sample to preventABTS oxidation can be compared with that Trolox, a water-solubletocopherol analogue, and was quantified as a molar Trolox equivalent.

Mushroom Tyrosinase Activity Assay:

In mammalian cells, tyrosinase catalyzes two steps in the multi-stepbiosynthesis of melanin pigments from tyrosine (and from thepolymerization of dopachrome). Tyrosinase is localized in melanocytesand produces melanin (aromatic quinone compounds) that imparts color toskin, hair, and eyes. Purified mushroom tyrosinase (Sigma) can beincubated with its substrate L-Dopa (Fisher) in the presence or absenceof each of the active ingredients, any one of the combination ofingredients, or compositions having said combinations disclosed in thespecification. Pigment formation can be evaluated by colorimetric platereading at 490 nm. The percent inhibition of mushroom tyrosinaseactivity can be calculated compared to non-treated controls to determinethe ability of test ingredients or combinations thereof to inhibit theactivity of purified enzyme. Test ingredient inhibition can be comparedwith that of kojic acid (Sigma).

Cyclooxygenase (COX) Assay:

An in vitro cyclooxygenase-1 and -2 (COX-1, -2) inhibition assay. COX isa bifunctional enzyme exhibiting both cyclooxygenase and peroxidaseactivities. The cyclooxygenase activity converts arachidonic acid to ahydroperoxy endoperoxide (Prostaglandin G2; PGG2) and the peroxidasecomponent reduces the endoperoxide (Prostaglandin H2; PGH2) to thecorresponding alcohol, the precursor of prostaglandins, thromboxanes,and prostacyclins. This COX Inhibitor screening assay measures theperoxidase component of cyclooxygenases. The peroxidase activity isassayed colorimetrically by monitoring the appearance of oxidizedN,N,N′,N′-tetramethyl-p-phenylenediamine (TMPD). This inhibitorscreening assay includes both COX-1 and COX-2 enzymes in order to screenisozyme-specific inhibitors. The Colormetric COX (ovine) Inhibitorscreening assay (#760111, Cayman Chemical) can be used to analyze theeffects of each of the active ingredients, any one of the combination ofingredients, or compositions having said combinations disclosed in thespecification on the activity of purified cyclooxygnase enzyme (COX-1 orCOX-2). According to manufacturer instructions, purified enzyme, hemeand test ingredients can be mixed in assay buffer and incubated withshaking for 15 min at room temperature. Following incubation,arachidonic acid and colorimetric substrate can be added to initiate thereaction. Color progression can be evaluated by colorimetric platereading at 590 nm. The percent inhibition of COX-1 or COX-2 activity canbe calculated compared to non-treated controls to determine the abilityof test ingredients to inhibit the activity of purified enzyme.

Lipoxygenase (LO) Assay:

An in vitro lipoxygenase (LO) inhibition assay. LOs are non-hemeiron-containing dioxygenases that catalyze the addition of molecularoxygen to fatty acids. Linoleate and arachidonate are the mainsubstrates for LOs in plants and animals. Arachadonic acid may then beconverted to hydroxyeicosotrienenoic (HETE) acid derivatives, that aresubsequently converted to leukotirenes, potent inflammatory mediators.This assay provides an accurate and convenient method for screeninglipoxygenase inhibitors by measuring the hydroperoxides generated fromthe incubation of a lipoxygenase (5-, 12-, or 15-LO) with arachidonicacid. The Colorimetric LO Inhibitor screening kit (#760700, CaymanChemical) can be used to determine the ability of each of the activeingredients, any one of the combination of ingredients, or compositionshaving said combinations disclosed in the specification to inhibitenzyme activity. Purified 15-lipoxygenase and test ingredients can bemixed in assay buffer and incubated with shaking for 10 min at roomtemperature. Following incubation, arachidonic acid can be added toinitiate the reaction and mixtures incubated for an additional 10 min atroom temperature. Colorimetric substrate can be added to terminatecatalysis and color progression was evaluated by fluorescence platereading at 490 nm. The percent inhibition of lipoxyganse activity can becalculated compared to non-treated controls to determine the ability ofeach of the active ingredients, any one of the combination ofingredients, or compositions having said combinations disclosed in thespecification to inhibit the activity of purified enzyme.

Elastase Assay:

EnzChek® Elastase Assay (Kit# E-12056) from Molecular Probes (Eugene,Oreg. USA) can be used as an in vitro enzyme inhibition assay formeasuring inhibition of elastase activity for each of the activeingredients, any one of the combination of ingredients, or compositionshaving said combinations disclosed in the specification. The EnzChek kitcontains soluble bovine neck ligament elastin that can be labeled withdye such that the conjugate's fluorescence can be quenched. Thenon-fluorescent substrate can be digested by elastase or other proteasesto yield highly fluorescent fragments. The resulting increase influorescence can be monitored with a fluorescence microplate reader.Digestion products from the elastin substrate have absorption maxima at˜505 nm and fluorescence emission maxima at ˜515 nm. The peptide,chloromethyl ketone, can be used as a selective, collective inhibitor ofelastase when utilizing the EnzChek Elastase Assay Kit for screening forelastase inhibitors.

Oil Control Assay:

An assay to measure reduction of sebum secretion from sebaceous glandsand/or reduction of sebum production from sebaceous glands can beassayed by using standard techniques known to those having ordinaryskill in the art. In one instance, the forehead can be used. Each of theactive ingredients, any one of the combination of ingredients, orcompositions having said combinations disclosed in the specification canbe applied to one portion of the forehead once or twice daily for a setperiod of days (e.g., 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, ormore days), while another portion of the forehead is not treated withthe composition. After the set period of days expires, then sebumsecretion can be assayed by application of fine blotting paper to thetreated and untreated forehead skin. This is done by first removing anysebum from the treated and untreated areas with moist and dry cloths.Blotting paper can then be applied to the treated and untreated areas ofthe forehead, and an elastic band can be placed around the forehead togently press the blotting paper onto the skin. After 2 hours theblotting papers can be removed, allowed to dry and thentransilluminated. Darker blotting paper correlates with more sebumsecretion (or lighter blotting paper correlates with reduced sebumsecretion.

All of the skin-active ingredients, compositions, or methods disclosedand claimed in this specification can be made and executed without undueexperimentation in light of the present disclosure. While theskin-active ingredients, compositions, or methods of this invention havebeen described in terms of particular embodiments, it will be apparentto those of skill in the art that variations may be applied to theskin-active ingredients, compositions, or methods and in the steps or inthe sequence of steps of the method described herein without departingfrom the concept, spirit and scope of the invention.

REFERENCES

The following references, to the extent that they provide exemplaryprocedural or other details supplementary to those set forth herein, arespecifically incorporated herein by reference. Cao et al. 1993.

-   International Cosmetic Ingredient Dictionary and Handbook, 12^(th)    Edition, 2008 (“CTFA”), Volume 2 page 2399-   International Cosmetic Ingredient Dictionary and Handbook, 12^(th)    Edition, 2008 (“CTFA”), Volume 1 page 198, page 655-   International Cosmetic Ingredient Dictionary and Handbook, 4^(th)    Edition, 1991 (“CTFA”), pp. 12 and 80-   Khan et al., J. Am. Acad Dermatol. 62:361-70, 2010.-   Kreuter, 1998.-   McCutcheon's, 1986.-   Packman et al. 1978.-   U.S. Pat. No. 2,798,053-   U.S. Pat. No. 3,755,560-   U.S. Pat. No. 4,421,769-   U.S. Pat. No. 4,509,949-   U.S. Pat. No. 4,599,379-   U.S. Pat. No. 4,628,078-   U.S. Pat. No. 4,835,206-   U.S. Pat. No. 4,849,484-   U.S. Pat. No. 5,011,681-   U.S. Pat. No. 5,087,445-   U.S. Pat. No. 5,100,660-   U.S. Pat. No. 5,411,744-   U.S. Pat. No. 6,203,802-   U.S. Pat. No. 6,387,398-   U.S. Publication No. 2004/0109905-   U.S. Publication No. 2005/0163880

1. A method for reducing the appearance of cellulite or improving thetexture of skin in a target region of skin that has cellulite or roughskin texture, the method comprising topically applying a composition tothe target region that includes an effective amount of Rubus fruticosusextract, Argania spinosa kernel oil, Coleus barbatus extract, glycolicacid, and a mixture of caffeine, escin, and algae extract, whereintopical application of the composition reduces the appearance ofcellulite or improves the texture of the skin.
 2. The method of claim 1,wherein the composition increases skin firmness or elasticity in saidtarget region.
 3. The method of claim 1, wherein the compositionincreases lipolysis in adipocytes.
 4. The method of claim 1, wherein thecomposition decreases maturation of fat cells.
 5. The method of claim 1,wherein the target region comprises a dimple, and wherein thecomposition reduces the appearance of the dimple.
 6. The method of claim5, wherein the composition reduces the difference between the peak andvalley of the dimple.
 7. The method of claim 1, wherein the Rubusfruticosus extract is from the leaf, the Coleus barbatus extract is fromthe root, and the algae extract is Ascophyllum nodosum extract.
 8. Themethod of claim 1, wherein the composition is formulated as a cream,lotion, or gel.
 9. The method of claim 1, wherein the composition isformulated as an emulsion.
 10. The method of claim 1, wherein aneffective amount is 0.001 to 10% by weight of Rubus fruticosus extract,0.001 to 10% by weight of Argania spinosa kernel oil, 0.001 to 10% byweight of Coleus barbatus extract, 0.001 to 10% by weight of glycolicacid, and 0.001 to 10% by weight of the mixture of caffeine, escin, andalgae extract.
 11. The method of claim 1, wherein the skin is leg skin,arm skin, torso skin, or skin in the pelvic region.
 12. The method ofclaim 11, wherein the composition is applied to the skin and remains onthe skin for at least 5 minutes after topical application.
 13. Themethod of claim 1, wherein the composition further comprises at leastone of a moisturization agent, a UV absorbing agent, anti-oxidant,structuring agent, emulsifier, silicone containing compound, essentialoil, thickening agent, and a preservative.
 14. The method of claim 1,wherein the composition decreases the size of adipocytes in the targetregion.
 15. The method of claim 14, wherein the composition decreasesthe size of adipocytes in the target region having a diameter of equalto or greater than 40 μm or have a diameter between 40-160 μm.
 16. Themethod of claim 15, wherein between 5 and 20% of the adipocytes in thetarget region having a diameter of equal to or greater than 40 μm orhave a diameter between 40-160 μm are decreased in size.
 17. The methodof claim 1, wherein the composition increases the epidermal thickness ofskin in the target region between 5 and 50%.
 18. The method of claim 1,wherein the composition increases triglyceride release from adipocytesin the target region.
 19. A topical skin composition comprising Rubusfruticosus extract, Argania spinosa kernel oil, Coleus barbatus extract,glycolic acid, and a mixture of caffeine, escin, and algae extract. 20.The topical skin composition of claim 19, wherein the Rubus fruticosusextract is from the leaf, the Coleus barbatus extract is from the root,and the algae extract is Ascophyllum nodosum extract.
 21. The topicalskin composition of claim 20, wherein the composition is formulated as acream, lotion, or gel.
 22. The topical skin composition of claim 20,wherein the composition is formulated as an emulsion.
 23. The topicalskin composition of claim 20, wherein an effective amount is 0.001 to10% by weight of Rubus fruticosus extract, 0.001 to 10% by weight ofArgania spinosa kernel oil, 0.001 to 10% by weight of Coleus barbatusextract, 0.001 to 10% by weight of glycolic acid, and 0.001 to 10% byweight of the mixture of caffeine, escin, and algae extract.
 24. Thetopical skin composition of claim 20, wherein the composition is capableof increasing lipolysis in adipocytes.
 25. The topical skin compositionof claim 20, wherein the composition is capable of decreasing maturationof fat cells.
 26. The topical skin composition of claim 20, wherein thecomposition is capable of decreasing the size of adipocytes.
 27. Thetopical skin composition of claim 20, wherein the composition is capableof increasing the epidermal thickness of skin in the target region. 28.The topical skin composition of claim 20, wherein the composition iscapable of increasing triglyceride release from adipocytes in the targetregion.